Paula Deen Confirms Diabetes Rumors (Updated)

Paula Deen confirmed the rumors claiming she has type 2 diabetes by going onto TODAY and plugging her new partnership with pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, which supplies her diabetes medication.

In her first broadcast interview about her diabetes diagnosis, Deen says she was diagnosed three years ago, but decided to keep it a secret.

"I had to figure things out in my own head, I had to give time to think about it, talk with my doctor," she told Al Roker. "I could've walked out and said hey ya'll I have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and walked away. I had nothing to give to my fellow friends out there."

The celebrity chef known for extravagently fatty Southern food said this won't affect the way she eats, saying she always has eaten in moderation.

"People see me on TV two and three times a day, and they see me cooking all these wonderfully Southern, fattening dishes," she said. "That's only 30 days out of 365 and it's for entertainment."

As for her deal with Novo Nordisk, Deen has created a program with her two sons to help adults manage their diabetes.

"We're gonna help you work on still having a full life without feeling like you're being punished or you're not being taste the wonderful flavors that you like," she said. Watch the full interview below.

Update: On January 18 Paula Deen popped up on The Chew and promised to donate a percentage of her compensation from Novo Nordisk to the American Diabetes Association.

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