This morning, Tuesday January 17, 2012 Paula Deen announced on the ”Today Show” that she was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes three years ago. This isn’t new; several months ago The National Inquirer reported that the southern cook, (known for her use of lots of butter and sugar) had type 2 diabetes. This should be an opportunity for Paula Deen to support people with type 2 diabetes. As a Certified Diabetes Educator, I want to offer her support, compassion and education.
But why would the 64 year old Food Network star decide to announce her battle with type 2 diabetes now? She stated that she will be working (as a paid spokesperson) for Novo Nordisk, which manufactures medications for the treatment of diabetes. Ms. Deen also mentioned that she will be also working on a program called “Diabetes In A New Light”. Does that include lifestyle change? We will have to wait and see. A Today Show physician contributor briefly mentioned some of the risk factors for type 2, several of which were non-modifiable such as age and family history. Paula pointed out that she only eats her recipes in “moderation”, and that she is a “cook” not a “doctor”.
What is type 2 diabetes?
Over 28 million Americans have type 2 diabetes, 7 million of which are undiagnosed. Having a sedentary lifestyle, being overweight and having a family history of type 2 diabetes are all factors which can increase the risk of developing the disease. Certain ethnic groups such as African Americans and American Indians also have a higher incidence of type 2 diabetes. The pancreas will continue to produce insulin in order to keep up with the high blood sugar levels, but due to the problem with insulin receptors, blood glucose remains high and continues to cause problems. So although people with Type 2 may start out with insulin resistance, eventually they will develop insulin deficiency. In order to control Type 2 diabetes, it is important to modify carbohydrate and calorie intake while increasing physical activity in order to promote weight loss. Weight reduction can help reduce the excess “belly fat” which increases the risk of insulin resistance. Healthy eating (and reducing consumption of simple/refined carbs), and increased physical activity are the cornerstones of diabetes management. In addition to proper diet and exercise, many people with Type 2 may also take oral medications or insulin.
Will this news mean that Ms. Deen can’t eat her own cooking? Will she modify her recipes to include lower carbohydrate choices? There is little doubt in my mind that she will not be promoting and eating as many as her deep fried donut recipes as previously seen on the food network. Of interest is her son Bobby Deen’s new cooking show called “Not My Mama’s Meal’s”. Paula will likely start to modify some of her recipes as well.
My suggestions for Paula Deen:*
Start Moving
Exercise is important for improving insulin sensitivity and reducing insulin resistance. Start by taking a walk outside. Smell the outdoors in addition to the aroma in the kitchen.
Cut down on simple and refined carbs, and increase consumption of veggies, fruits, lean protein and whole grains
Eating fewer cookies, cakes and candies while consuming more lean protein, colorful fruits and veggies along with fibrous whole grains can help improve blood sugar control. Ms. Deen should consider cooking more fish dishes (rich in heart healthy omega 3′s) and cruciferous veggies (cancer fighting and heart healthy broccoli, cauliflower and brussel sprouts). She can use more herbs and spices and less sugar and white flour to promote healthy eating.
Speak with a Certified Diabetes Educator
Managing your eating, exercise and medications while running a business and working on a TV cooking show can be overwhelming to manage. I hope Ms. Deen works with a CDE to help her improve her lifestyle while properly managing her diabetes.
Join diabetessisters.org
I am the volunteer lead CDE for diabetessisters.org. We encourage Paula to join forces with diabetessisters.org , Together we can improve the lives of women with diabetes everywhere. Paula, please write a blog for our site!
Although I have never made a Paula Deen recipe or dined at her restaurant, I have enjoyed watching her on TV. I admit that sometimes I can’t believe that she is cooking deep fried breaded steak and sugar covered chocolate fudge bars, but she is an endearing and welcoming cook. I hope she treats the world to healthy creative lower carb recipes. What do you think of today’s announcement by Paula Deen? Please share your thoughts and comments.
* and for ALL people with diabetes or at risk for developing this disease.
At the AADE conference this past August, I had the honor of meeting Brandy Barnes, MSW, the Founder and Executive Director of 
World Diabetes Day is observed on November 14th, every year. As part of National Diabetes Awareness Month, World Diabetes Day focuses on engaging people throughout the world to raise awareness of diabetes. World Diabetes Day was initiated in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) because of the increasing number of people around the world who have diabetes. November 14th was selected to honor the birthday of Frederick Banting, who was part of the discovery of insulin in 1922. World Diabetes Day is now an official United Nations World Health Day.
Many young women contact me because they are extremely frustrated with their inability to lose weight despite repeated attempts at restrictive dieting. They share common complaints of hair loss (on the head), hair growth on their face, chest or stomach, low blood sugar episodes and weight gain around their belly’s. These young women have irregular periods and difficulty getting pregnant.
