Aron's father (with type 2 diabetes) has been encouraged to increase his exercise level. Exercise is encouraged in type 2 diabetes because:

Choice A reason: Type 1 diabetes cannot be treated with oral glycemic agents. These medications are typically used to manage type 2 diabetes, which is characterized by insulin resistance rather than a lack of insulin production. In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas is unable to produce insulin due to an autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing beta cells. Therefore, individuals with type 1 diabetes require insulin therapy to manage their blood glucose levels effectively.

Choice B reason: Type 1 diabetes has a definite genetic component, though it is not solely determined by genetics. A combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors, such as viral infections or other autoimmune triggers, can lead to the development of type 1 diabetes. Certain genes, including those in the HLA region, are known to increase susceptibility to the disease.

Choice C reason: In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas is indeed completely unable to produce insulin. This is due to an autoimmune attack on the beta cells of the pancreas, which are responsible for insulin production. Without insulin, the body cannot regulate blood glucose levels, leading to hyperglycemia and the need for exogenous insulin administration.

Choice D reason: Type 1 diabetes often has an acute onset, particularly in children and young adults. Symptoms can develop rapidly over a few days to weeks, including increased thirst, frequent urination, unintended weight loss, and severe fatigue. This acute presentation is a hallmark of the disease and contrasts with the more gradual onset seen in type 2 diabetes.

Choice A reason: Neuropathies occur due to the thickening, sclerosis, obstruction, and ischemia of the small blood vessels that supply the nerves (vasa nervorum). Chronic hyperglycemia leads to damage of these blood vessels, reducing blood flow and oxygen supply to the nerves. This ischemia results in nerve degeneration, delayed nerve conduction, and impaired sensory function, which are characteristic of diabetic neuropathy.

Choice B reason: Infection in the nerves is not a primary cause of diabetic neuropathy. While infections can affect the nerves, the neuropathy associated with diabetes is primarily due to vascular complications and chronic hyperglycemia, not infections.

Choice C reason: Excessive glucose exposure to the brain and spinal cord is not directly related to neuropathy. The neuropathic complications in diabetes are due to the damage of peripheral nerves caused by hyperglycemia and vascular insufficiency, rather than glucose affecting the central nervous system.

Choice D reason: Inability to provide continuous glucose to the brain and spinal cord is not a cause of neuropathy. The brain and spinal cord typically have a continuous supply of glucose. Neuropathy in diabetes results from the damage to the peripheral nerves due to prolonged high blood glucose levels and subsequent vascular complications.