* No difference in the genotype and allele frequencies (IL-1β -511C/T polymorphism) was observed between the T2DM and the HC group.* There was also no difference between genotype frequency TT vs TC while TT vs CC frequency differed significantly in the T2DM and the HC group.* mRNA levels of IL-1β were significantly higher in the T2DM group compared to the HC group.* 4-fold higher expression of IL-1β transcript in the T2DM group compared to the HC group. The gene discussed is IL1B; the disease is type 2 diabetes mellitus.