Which of the following is a contributing factor to cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD)?

Cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD) arises primarily due to the damage caused to the pancreatic tissue by the thick mucus associated with cystic fibrosis. This damage significantly impacts the pancreas’s ability to secrete insulin, which is critical for glucose metabolism. The decrease in insulin secretion leads to insulin deficiency, which is a key characteristic of CFRD and the underlying reason patients with cystic fibrosis are at greater risk for developing diabetes.

Insulin is crucial for allowing glucose to enter cells, and inadequate insulin results in elevated blood glucose levels, thus defining the diabetic state. Therefore, the decreased insulin secretion from the pancreas is a direct and contributing factor to the development of CFRD, making it the correct choice in this scenario.

Additionally, dietary habits, vitamin intake, and exercise levels may influence overall health but are not direct causes of CFRD in the same manner as pancreatic dysfunction caused by cystic fibrosis.