ABSTRACT Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is accompanied by increased formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decreased antioxidant capacity, leading to oxidative damage to cellular components. There is evidence to suggest that regular physical training positively changes oxidative homeostasis in the cells and tissues by lowering basal levels of oxidative damage, increasing resistance to oxidative stress. Objective: To verify the possible effects of aerobic physical training and resistance on glycemia and oxidative metabolism, and to determine whether there is any difference in outcomes resulting from different types of training in sedentary people with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Methods: A systematic review of controlled and randomized trials based on PRISMA. The databases LILACS, IBECS, Pubmed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, SciELO, PEDro, ScienceDirect and BIREME were searched, combining the descriptors type 2 diabetes mellitus, resistance training, aerobic exercise and oxidative stress in Portuguese, English and Spanish. The methodological quality of the papers was assessed by the PEDro scale. The data were read, analyzed, extracted and summarized. Results: Of the 1386 papers retrieved, only five met the inclusion criteria. The five selected papers, consisting of controlled and randomized clinical trials, were summarized. Conclusion: There have been many published studies reporting on exercises and diabetes. However, there is limitation when it comes to comparing their results. The variability of research methods and measurement instruments used makes it difficult to draw conclusions as to which physical training modality is most effective in reducing glycemic levels and oxidative stress in sedentary individuals with T2DM, considering that in each study analyzed in this review, the response to these variables is different. In future research, it would be important to standardize exercise modality, intensity, training time and evaluation parameters. Level of evidence I; Systematic review of RCTs (Randomized controlled trials).