IL6 and gestational diabetes: The complex relationship between gestational diabetes and inflammation is underscored by evidence of increased plasma levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including plasma C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and/or IL-1a, in women with GDM and their fetuses (umbilical cord) in some, but not all studies (11–16).