NTRODUCTION: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM2) can lead to autonomic nervous system dysfunction and heart rate variability (HRV) is often used to assess this system both during rest and during physical exercise. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the autonomic modulation at rest and the responses of heart rate and parasympathetic indices of individuals with DM2 to isometric handgrip exercise. METHOD: The sample consisted of individuals of both sexes; over 40 years, divided into groups, with and without DM2 diagnosis. The collection of resting HRV was performed for 20 minutes in the supine position, and 256 points were selected for symbolic and linear analysis. The individuals performed isometric contraction for one minute with intensities of 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 % of the maximum contraction, using the parasympathetic indexes RMSSD and SD1 for analysis. RESULTS: Linear and symbolic indices of HRV at rest and those obtained during exercise were similar (p-value>0.05). No association was found between the indices at rest and the responses to exercise, with a slight delay in the response of diabetics in HR and parasympathetic indices being identified. CONCLUSION: There was no difference between the groups in the modulation of rest or in the parasympathetic adjustments of the exercise (Tab. 4, Ref. 32).