Paula Deen reveals secret struggle with Diabetes, teams up with drug company
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Paula Deen, the queen of butter, was diagnosed with diabetes several years ago, but she waited to go public with it-after lining up a lucrative drug endorsement deal. (AP)
Celebrity chef and Food Network star Paula Deen is teaming with drug maker Novo Nordisk to launch a program that aims to help people live with Type 2 diabetes and promote a Novo diabetes drug.
The program is called Diabetes in a New Light and offers tips on food preparation, stress management and working with doctors on a treatment plan.
Deen, a paid spokeswoman for Novo Nordisk, says she was diagnosed three years ago, but kept quiet about her condition until she had advice to offer the public.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"I wanted to bring something to the table when I came forward," she said Tuesday during an appearance on NBC's "Today" show. "I've always been one to think that I bring hope."
When asked if the high-fat, high-caloric recipes she champions can lead to diabetes, she hedged.
"That is part of the puzzle," she said, but mentioned other factors: genetics, lifestyle, stress and age.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"On my show I share with you all these yummy, fattening recipes, but I tell people, `in moderation,"' she added. "I've always eaten in moderation."
Deen has Type 2 diabetes and takes Victoza, a once-daily noninsulin injection. The website links to promotional materials for the drug.
Type 2 is the most common form of diabetes. In Type 2 diabetes, the body either does not produce enough insulin or does not use it efficiently, allowing excess sugar, or glucose, to accumulate in the blood.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The 64-year-old Deen, known as "the Queen of Southern cuisine," appears on Food Network.