Paula Deen, the chef behind deep-fried mac and cheese as well the lasagna sandwich, is reported to have diabetes.
Sources tell The Daily that Deen has been keeping her Type 2 diabetes diagnosis a secret for months. Sources further that Deen has signed a multi-million dollar deal to represent a pharmaceutical company.
While initial reports said the company in question was Novartis, the drug maker has denied the claims. “Novartis is not working with Ms. Deen” a statement from the company reads.
Reps for Deen have yet to comment on the rumors. And while Deen’s name is trending on Twitter, the down-home chef is keeping quiet on the topic. “What’s your favorite Super Bowl recipe?” her last tweet reads.
Deen’s alleged diabetes diagnosis would have a big impact on her health, but also on her brand.
“Paula Deen is going to have to reposition herself now that she has diabetes,” a source tells The Daily. “She’s going to have to start cooking healthier recipes. She can’t keep pushing mac and cheese and deep-fried Twinkies when she is hawking a diabetes drug.”
Deen’s son, Bobby Deen, could certainly help in that effort. The younger Deen — who is a co-owner in the family’s Savannah, Ga., restaurant The Lady & Sons — debuted a show on the Cooking Channel just nine days ago, boasting more healthful fare. The series is called “Not My Mama’s Meals.”