As seen in the studies cited above, chronic low-grade inflammation that is typically characterized by increased levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The gene discussed is TNF; the disease is type 2 diabetes mellitus.