Celebrity Chef Paula Deen Has Type II Diabetes

Celebrity southern chef Paula Deen admitted during an exclusive interview with Al Roker on the Today Show Tuesday (Jan. 17) morning that she was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes three years ago.

The disease was discovered during a regular physical exam with her doctor, said Deen, who encouraged Today viewers to be tested. Regarding the rich, fatty recipes that she cooks on her Food Network show, Deen said she has always encouraged eating in moderation on the show as she herself has always done.

“I’m here today to let the world know that it (diabetes) is not a death sentence,” Deen said. She announced she has been working with a reputable pharmaceutical company and has developed a new program called “Diabetes in a New Light.”

On the program website, she shares her experience with the disease and diabetes-friendly recipes. The pharmaceutical company listed on the website is Novo Nordisk.

Deen told Roker that she had not revealed she had Type II Diabetes sooner because “I had to figure things out in my own head….I wanted to bring something to the table when I came forth.”

Deen also urged people with the disease to find a program that works for them.

Deen's appearance on the Today Show addressed rumors that she had Type II Diabetes.