Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HETEs) are metabolites of arachidonate acid (AA) oxidized by lipoxygenases or cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP450). Since lipoxygenases and CYP450 enzymes widely exist in different organs and tissues, HETEs play significant roles in normal physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Mounting evidence has shown that HETEs play roles in modulation of inflammation during diabetes development. And accumulating evidence suggests that in prediabetic conditions, HETEs have already impacted on adipose tissue, kidney, heart, and islet. In the current review, we focused on the role of specific HETEs, namely 5-HETE, 12-HETE, 15-HETE and 20-HETE in diabetes, and highlighted their effects in the development of diabetes and diabetes-related complications. In conclusion, elucidation of HETEs’ impacts on different organs that contribute to the development of diabetes leads to identification of novel therapeutic modalities. Display omitted •Provide information of hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids in diabetes.•Summarize the different role of 5-HETE, 12-HETE, 15-HETE and 20-HETE in diabetes and obesity.•Discuss the potential impacts of HETEs in the prevention and treatment of diabetes.