BackgroundCardiovascular disease (CVD) is the primary cause of mortality and disability among diabetes. The aim of this study is to evaluate how healthy eating index-2015 related to risk factors for cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted on 490 patients with type 2 diabetes in Tehran, Iran. The healthy eating index-2015 (HEI-2015) used as a diet quality indicator. Dietary intake was assessed by a valid and reliable semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Four indicators of CVD risk factor [Castelli risk index-1 and 2 (CRI-II), atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), cholesterol index (CI), and lipid accumulation of plasma (LAP)] were calculated. The anthropometric indices [a body shape index (ABSI), abdominal volume index (AVI), and body roundness index (BRI)] were computed.ResultsAfter adjusting for potential confounders, it is evident that participants in the highest tertile of HEI had a lower odds ratio of BRI (OR: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.29–0.95;p-trend = 0.03) and AIP (OR:0.56; 95% CI: 0.34–0.94;p-trend = 0.02). Also, HEI and CRI had a marginally significant negative relation (OR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.38–1;p-trend = 0.05) in crude model, after adjusting the signification disappeared.ConclusionIn conclusion, our finding shows that more adherence to HEI reduces about 50% of the odds of AIP, BRI among diabetic patients. Further, large-scale cohort studies in Iran need to confirm these findings, including diabetic patients of various racial, ethnic backgrounds, body composition and different components of HEI.