Type 2 diabetes combines insulin resistance and progressive beta-cell failure. Onset is often gradual; HHS is more common than DKA in older adults, though both remain possible. Connect Type 2 Diabetes to bedside cues you will reassess first: vitals trends, work of breathing, perfusion, mentation, and pain or ischemic equivalents when relevant. NCLEX items often reward recognizing when subtle instability outweighs reassurance, then selecting nursing actions that protect airway, circulation, and neurologic status before routine tasks.