Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is characterized by a systemic subclinical inflammation state, which was related with an increase in the expression of pro-inflammatory molecules. Interleukin 1-beta (IL-1β) is one of most important cytokines related to that inflammation state in T2D. The aim of our work was to study the IL-1β serum levels
and mRNA expression in mononuclear leucocytes, in 30 recently diagnosed individuals with metabolically decompensated T2D, and after 6 and 12 months of treatment to achieve metabolic compensation, and to evaluate its relationship with the genotype of the rs16944 (-511C/T) of IL-1β gene, and with biochemical-clinical
variables. Statistical analyses were performed by multiple linear regression, with age and gender as covariates. At the basal time, the T polymorphic allele of the rs16944 was associated with the lower IL-1β mRNA expression (p=0.006); and the higher glycemia was associated with the higher IL-1β protein levels (p=0.015). Despite individuals showed a significant decrease in glycemia after treatment, but did not show significant changes in the serum IL-1β levels; the greater decreases in glycemia were associated with increases in IL-1β circulating levels (p=0.040), which could be related with the endoplasmic reticulum stress. These results contribute to the knowledge of the physiopathology of T2D.