Abstract

Aim.This  review study was done with the purpose of exploring the role of diabetes role in the development of atherosclerosis.

Background.The process of accumulation of fat in the blood vessels is called atherosclerosis. The most important risk factors and aggravating condition of atherosclerosis are the accumulation of carbohydrates and diabetes.

Method.In this study, we reviewed the electronic and manual searches of databases such as Medline, Embase, Springer, Blackwell Synergy, Elsevier, Scopus, Cochran Library and the databases SID, Iran Medex and Magiran within the time period of 2005 -2015.

Findings.The most common cause of death in patients with diabetes is coronary artery disease. Because nitric oxide production is higher in diabetic patients, the process of atherosclerosis occurs more rapidly and coagulation cascade disorder leads to the platelet adhesion, so, diabetic people, especially women, are more prone to atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease.

Conclusion.Nurses can modify several risk factors for atherosclerosis in these patients through education and follow-up, thereby, improving quality of life in these patients.