'Life Behind the 8-Ball': Kids With Type 2 Diabetes

Anne L. Peters, MD: Hello. I am Dr Anne Peters, and I am here today with Dr Jessica Lilley, who is a pediatric endocrinologist from Tupelo, Mississippi. Dr Lilley, tell us what it is like where you practice.

Jessica Sparks Lilley, MD: It is wonderful. I really enjoy being in an underserved area. My patient population is quite diverse and very thankful, because many of them remember the days when they had to drive 3 hours to see a pediatric endocrinologist. To be able to offer them these services has been truly rewarding.

Peters: Iʹm glad they have you. I know obesity is an incredibly common problem in your area of Mississippi. Can you tell me a few positive things about the treatment of obesity in your population? What has worked?

Lilley: First, the earlier you start, the better. It is difficult to effect true behavioral change as we get older. Even at my age, I find I am very set in my ways. It isn't easy to form a new habit.

With a small child, you can introduce new positive changes fairly easily. For a child who has never learned to like the taste of a sugar-sweetened beverage, you can make these changes, which is why I am a pediatrician and not an internist.