In the present study, increased expression of both pro-IL-1β and cleaved IL-1β was observed in alveolar macrophages exposed to PM2.5, which was enhanced when cells were pretreated with high glucose prior to PM2.5 exposure, suggesting that individuals with diabetes may be more vulnerable to PM-induced pulmonary and systemic inflammation and other PM-related health problems. The gene discussed is IL1B; the disease is diabetes mellitus.