LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - "I was diagnosed three years ago during a regular physical exam with my doctor, that I had type 2 diabetes," Deen admitted. "I am here today to let the world know that it is not a death sentence. I am working with a very reputable pharmaceutical company. I'm working on a new program called 'Diabetes in a New Light.' You can go to our Web site. I'm going to be there for you and help you manage every day of your life with this, because it can be done," she added.

Deen had faced strong criticism in recent years for the unhealthy nature of many of her recipes. She says she is now working as a paid spokesperson for the drug company Novo Nordisk, which manufactures Victoza, which is an injectable, non-insulin drug used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

As to why she took such a long time to come clean with her diagnosis, Deen said she first informed her immediate family. She wanted to keep the information confidential as she "had nothing to give to my fellow friends out there.

"People are not going to quit eating...I wanted to bring something to the table."

Deen says that while diet is a factor in the development of the disease, she says it's "part of the puzzle," noting that genetics, lifestyle, stress and age are also factors.

With her new Web site, her goal is "To make you still feel like you're having a full life, without feeling like you're being punished or not being able to taste the wonderful flavors that you like.

Deen deflected criticism of her fat and sugar-centric cooking. She says her show preaches a message of moderation and has not had to change the way she eats because she follows that directive herself.

The show featured on her show, she says is "entertainment...I'm your cook, not your doctor," and notes on her Web site that moving forward, many of her recipes will include a "lighter touch."

About 26 million people in the United States have diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC estimates another 79 million Americans over age 20 have pre-diabetes or elevated glucose levels.

Diabetes can lead to kidney failure, blindness, lower limb amputations, heart disease and stroke. It is currently the seventh leading cause of death in the United States.

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