Stop the presses! The queen of butter has announced on the Today Show that she has type 2 diabetes.
In an exclusive interview with Al Roker, Deen confided that she knew about the diagnosis for three years but decided to keep the news "close to my chest."
Rumors have been swirling about Deen's diabetes for years, but this is the first time Deen has confirmed the diagnosis.
Deen seized the opportunity to announce the start of a new partnership
with Novo Nordisk, the pharmaceutical company that supplies her diabetes
medication. She's going to be its new spokesperson in an ad campaign
that will launch later this month.
When Roker asked her if she
felt that the diabetes would damage her reputation in the kitchen, Deen
replied, "People are not going to quit eating. I wanted to bring
something to the table, and I've always been one to think I could bring
hope."
Deen also said that she's always encouraged moderation
during her cooking shows. "Here's the thing. I've always encouraged
moderation. I've shared
yummy fattening recipes, and they show butter, but I've always eaten in moderation. When I film my show, that's only 30 days out of 365, and it's for
entertainment."
We suspect Deen's shows will turn toward healthier eating trends, but we've gotta say -- we'll certainly miss the butter. Watch the interview here:
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