What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Inflammation and Diabetes Risk: 8/10 evidence, 68 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): C/C
Lower Inflammatory Levels but Higher Blood Pressure
A double dose of the C allele is linked to lower baseline levels of the inflammatory cytokine IL-6. While this provides protection against certain metabolic conditions like type 2 diabetes, it is associated with higher blood pressure and a greater risk of gum disease.
What this genotype means: Lower baseline IL-6 levels; Increased risk of high blood pressure; Higher susceptibility to gum disease (periodontitis).
Sample genotype (not yours): C/G
Typical Inflammatory and Metabolic Profile
A balanced genetic profile results from carrying one copy of each allele. This combination generally exhibits typical baseline levels of inflammation, blood pressure, and metabolic risks.
What this genotype means: Typical baseline IL-6 levels; Average risk for type 2 diabetes; Typical blood pressure profile.
Sample genotype (not yours): G/G
Higher Inflammatory Levels and Increased Diabetes Risk
A double dose of the G allele is linked to higher baseline levels of the inflammatory cytokine IL-6. This combination is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and severe inflammatory responses, though it offers protection against high blood pressure.
What this genotype means: Higher baseline IL-6 levels; Increased risk of type 2 diabetes; Lower risk of high blood pressure.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: Interleukin 6 (IL6) encodes a cytokine that plays a dual role as both a pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory signal [1]. It is a key regulator of the body's immune response, fever, and acute phase reactions [2]. Chronic elevation of IL-6 is closely linked to systemic low-grade inflammation, which contributes to metabolic and cardiovascular diseases [3]. Conversely, controlled IL-6 signaling is essential for proper tissue regeneration and defense against pathogens [4].
Variant Impact: The rs1800795 variant, widely known as the -174G/C polymorphism, is located in the promoter region of the IL6 gene [1]. This specific genetic change alters the binding of transcription factors, directly affecting how much IL-6 is produced [2]. The G allele is associated with higher transcription rates and elevated circulating levels of IL-6 [5]. In contrast, the C allele leads to lower expression of the cytokine, creating distinct physiological profiles [6].
Key Insight: This variant acts as a genetic volume knob for IL-6, where one version increases inflammation but protects against high blood pressure, while the other does the opposite.
Location: IL6. Chromosome 7 · 7p15.3 · 22.7 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 10.9%; European 17.9%; African 0.5%; East Asian < 0.1%; South Asian 2.5%; Americas 4.4%; Ashkenazi 6.9%; Finnish 27.5%; Middle Eastern 3.0%; Amish 14.8%.
Estimated CC genotype frequency.
Global 34.8%; European 48.8%; African 13.4%; East Asian 0.3%; South Asian 26.8%; Americas 33.3%; Ashkenazi 38.8%; Finnish 49.9%; Middle Eastern 28.7%; Amish 47.3%.
Estimated CG genotype frequency.
Global 54.2%; European 33.3%; African 86.0%; East Asian 99.7%; South Asian 70.7%; Americas 62.3%; Ashkenazi 54.3%; Finnish 22.6%; Middle Eastern 68.3%; Amish 37.9%.
Estimated GG genotype frequency.
Showing effects for C/C genotype
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Diabetes & Glycemic Traits
Type 2 Diabetes. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 33016995. Lower Risk.
Hypertension
Blood Pressure. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 38689001. Higher Pressure.
Immunity & Inflammation
Inflammatory & Circulating Protein Markers
Inflammatory Response. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 9769329. Lower IL-6 Levels.
Organ Systems
Dental & Oral Health
Periodontitis. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 26511189. Increased Risk.
Showing effects for C/G genotype
Type 2 Diabetes. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 33016995. Typical Risk.
Blood Pressure. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 38689001. Typical.
Inflammatory Response. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 9769329. Typical.
Periodontitis. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 26511189. Typical Risk.
Showing effects for G/G genotype
Type 2 Diabetes. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 33016995. Increased Risk.
Blood Pressure. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 38689001. Lower Pressure.
Inflammatory Response. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 9769329. Higher IL-6 Levels.
Periodontitis. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 26511189. Lower Risk.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: CC (Homozygous)
Reduced transcription and secretion of interleukin-6 characterize this genetic profile, leading to lower systemic inflammation [1]. Because of this lower inflammatory state, a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes is commonly observed [2]. However, this genetic profile presents a distinct physiological trade-off. Large-scale genetic analyses show that the C allele is linked to higher systolic blood pressure and increased pulse pressure [3]. Additionally, a higher susceptibility to severe periodontitis, or chronic gum disease, is associated with this genotype [4]. Research also suggests a higher risk of complications following specific surgeries, such as coronary revascularization [5].
Lower baseline IL-6 levels; Increased risk of high blood pressure; Higher susceptibility to gum disease (periodontitis).
Sample genotype: CG (Heterozygous)
A genetic middle ground is established by this heterozygous combination, balancing the high-expression G allele and the low-expression C allele. Baseline levels of interleukin-6 are typically intermediate, resulting in average systemic inflammatory responses [1]. Consequently, the risks for conditions like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular issues remain at typical population levels [2]. Blood pressure measurements, including systolic and pulse pressure, generally align with standard baselines [3]. While some pharmacogenomic studies suggest subtle differences in response to certain medications, overall health outcomes do not deviate significantly from the average [4].
Typical baseline IL-6 levels; Average risk for type 2 diabetes; Typical blood pressure profile.
Sample genotype: GG (Homozygous)
Higher transcription and secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 characterize this genetic profile [1]. Elevated baseline levels of IL-6 contribute to chronic low-grade inflammation, which is a known risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes [2]. Cardiovascular health is also affected, with studies linking this profile to a higher risk of severe complications and mortality following acute coronary events [3]. However, a notable cardiovascular benefit is also present. Large-scale genome-wide association studies show that the G allele is associated with lower systolic blood pressure and reduced pulse pressure [4]. Additionally, a lower risk of developing severe gum disease is observed [5].
Higher baseline IL-6 levels; Increased risk of type 2 diabetes; Lower risk of high blood pressure.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs1800797 · IL6 Gene · Chr 7 · Inflammation and Joint Risk
rs2069837 · IL6 Gene · Chr 7 · Inflammation and Longevity
rs1800796 · IL6 Gene · Chr 7 · Inflammatory Response
Interleukin-6 gene polymorphism and lipid abnormalities in healthy subjects.
Genetic polymorphism directs IL-6 expression in fibroblasts but not selected other cell types.
INTERLEUKIN-6 GENE POLYMORPHISM MODULATES THE RISK OF PERIODONTAL DISEASES.
Content updated August 2026.
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