Celebrity chef, Paula Deen recently revealed she has Type 2 diabetes.
She shared the news with Al Roker on “Today,” and discussed her diagnosis along with what she’s doing with her cooking.
“I was diagnosed three years ago,” said Deen during an appearance on “Today.””During a regular physical exam with my doctor, that I had Type 2 diabetes.”
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes in which there are high levels of sugar in the blood. With Type 2 diabetes, the body either does not make enough insulin or uses it incorrectly, ultimately blocking the sugar from entering cells where they are stored and used for energy later, according to ncbi.nlm.
“I’m here today to let the world know, that it’s not a death sentence,” she added.
Deen, known for her cooking—sometimes criticized for her high fat recipes—was then asked why she delayed sharing the news with the public and if she did it because it would damage her reputation.
“No people are not going to quit eating, if we quit eating, we’re all out of here,” said Deen. “I wanted to bring something to the table when I came forward and I’ve always been one to think that I bring hope because I’ve had lots of obstacles in my life.”
“Today” also had a doctor on the show who revealed information about Type 2 diabetes. She said that the exact cause of Type 2 diabetes is not known, though genetics play a role along with diet, age, lack of exercise and being overweight can contribute to the lifelong disease.
Along with her announcement, Deen also revealed that she would be teaming up with drugmaker Novo Nordisk to launch a program that helps people deal with Type 2 diabetes while also promoting a Novo diabetes drug—According to the Associated Press, 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.
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