A role for the NLRP3 inflammasome has been reported in various diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis (AS), nephropathy, rheumatism, and others, although limited information is available concerning the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-18 (IL-18) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and carotid atherosclerosis (CAS). The gene discussed is IL18; the disease is carotid atherosclerosis.