In T1DM, β cells are exposed to the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β, TNFα and IFNγ; however, in T2DM the proinflammatory state is characterized by the interplay between IL-1β and IL-6 cytokines circulating in the adipose tissue, IL-1β production in islet-derived macrophages and cytokine production in islet cells. The gene discussed is IL1B; the disease is type 1 diabetes mellitus.