Food Network's Paula Deen Confirms Type II Diabetes Diagnosis

Food Network star Paula Deen confirmed on NBC's TODAY that she has been diagnosed with Type II diabetes.  In an interview with TODAY's Al Roker, the celebrity chef revealed that she was diagnosed with the disease nearly three years ago but was only now ready to share the news with her fans. Deen explained that she needed time to process the information privately. 

Deen is best known for creating dishes which are high in fat, often deep-frying her ingredients or covering them with butter.  However, in the interview, Deen insisted that she saw no connection between her illness and her cooking methods and maintains that she always eats in moderation.  A 'Today' show medical expert confirmed that diet is just one of many possible links to the disease. 

Deen is a self-made success story who learned the secrets of Southern cooking from her Grandmother some 30 years ago.  In 1990, Paula opened her own restaurant, The Lady and Sons. The venture proved so successful that in 1995, she relocated it to downtown Savannah where it has been ever since.

Paula's business continues to flourish with a series of successful cookbooks: Paula Deen and Friends: Living It Up, Southern Style, The Lady and Sons Savannah Country Cookbook, The Lady and Sons Too and The Lady and Sons Just Desserts. Her current show on the Food Network 'Paula's Home Cooking' continues to be among the networks most popular.