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TV Chef Paula Deen, known as ‘the Queen of Southern cuisine’, came forward after rumours began circulating that she had the disease but was attempting to hide it from fans.

She said in a statement: ‘I was determined to share my positive approach and not let diabetes stand in the way of enjoying my life.’

Deen revealed the diagnosis as she teamed up with promote a new drug for the disease with the medical manufacturers Novo Nordisk. 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.

During an appearance on NBC’s Today show on Tuesday, Deen said: ‘I wanted to bring something to the table when I came forward. 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 said: ‘That is part of the puzzle,’ but mentioned other factors: genetics, lifestyle, stress and age.

She added: ‘On my show I share with you all these yummy, fattening recipes, but I tell people, “in moderation”. I’ve always eaten in moderation.’

Deen is known for her love of decadent fatty foods. Last year she told the Today show that she couldn’t live without butter or her deep-fryer.

Deen is facing criticism for her responses in a recent interview when, she encouraged people who are renovating their kitchens to look into buying a ‘commercial’ deep-fryer.

Type 2 is the most common form of diabetes, and sees the body either not produce enough insulin or not use it efficiently, allowing excess sugar, or glucose, to accumulate in the blood.

Last year, fellow TV cook, Anthony Bourdain lambasted her, saying in an interview with TV Guide that she was ‘the worst, most dangerous person to America’ who ‘revels in her unholy connections with evil corporations’ and is ‘proud of the fact that her food is f***ing bad for you.’

His comments came a few months after the National Enquirer ran a story alleging she had been hiding her diabetes diagnosis for years, while encouraging her fans to eat unhealthily.

In 2009, legendary journalist Barbara Walters accused Deen of encouraging childhood obesity.

Reportedly, Paula is said to be under doctor’s orders to steer clear of the foods. Leading endocrinologist Dr Daniel Lorber said: ‘Diabetes can be deadly because it increases your risk of heart disease, kidney failure and stroke. ‘And Type 2 diabetes can be directly related to obesity, which is reaching epidemic proportions in this country.’

A family friend supposedly told the Enquirer: ‘When Paula was diagnosed with diabetes I think she was worried that if her secret got out, it would make her look like a hypocrite.

‘Ironically, the very thing that made her rich and famous turned her into a poster child for what could happen if you follow in her footsteps.’

One of the cook’s most famous dishes is the Lady’s Brunch Burger, which is a hamburger topped with bacon and a fried egg and served on a glazed doughnut.

Paula’s son Bobby Deen now offers lower-calorie versions of his mom’s calorie-packed recipes on his Cooking Channel show Not My Mama’s Meals.