I have to state my opinion on this....
I know who she is. Being a Southerner, I liked her for her cooking style but otherwise never paid that much attention to her.
I really don't care if she is diabetic or not. I don't think anything she has recently stated has been sincere or heartfelt. Sadly, I think this is money driven. I think like most newly Type 2 diabetics she was in denial and feared being a celebrity chef that it could hurt her career.
I don't expect her to change much of what she is doing. I know she said that she stopped drinking "sweet tea" which is a classical southern drink but that is not enough to do anything. To be honest, she is at the right age and weight to suggest that she may be diabetic.
I wonder what other chefs and celebrity cooks are diabetic and haven't said anything.
The just hate that she waited 3 years to make an announcement.
Chrstalyn, I don't believe that you don't care about her, because I would hate to think that you would do that to anyone who found out they were diabetic. Yea, she waited three years, I waited two...not much better, but then I'm not part of the "out in the face" crowd. When I watched her today, yea, I think she's still in denial about it, and is making a big deal out of it, BUT, if her making a big deal out of her diagnosis gets one person to go and be tested, it's worth listening to her. We all had a period of adjustment and realization that this was reality and life would change,. You can tell by her explanations that Paula is still dealing with a life threatening, life long disease and this is part of her taking care of her personal business, to let people know that it can happen to them, if it happened to her. Also, she did say that her cooking isn't going to change, but she never recommended that we eat that way 30 days of the month every meal. She has definitely lost weight and that should be applauded,
Let's not be too tough on her, she's just a person who found out something that she couldn't fix with all the money, butter and whole milk in the world. Give her a break, please
**OH, and I am a northerner who does care about people who are newly diagnosed, 11 years diabetic -- 9 years treating it,
Let me explain....
This whole thing has put a sour taste in my mouth. I don't care for how the media teased the public with this peek a boo drama about her "sudden illness." I have a hard time giving celebrities sympathy when they have access to stunning medical care, have a million in the bank, and then try to suck sympathy from their fans because they are facing a bump in the road. I think this is her pity me moment. Far as I am concerned she can do it with out me.
This all could have played out differently with a simple press release or an interview on a legitimate news magazine. I don't see why she couldn't admit to being in denial and still deciding to produce lard laden fat foods. This is hypocrisy that should be explained. She has a lot of loyal viewers thinking the same thing.
We are all dealing with this condition. I have a A1C 9.2 right now and I am fighting to keep a job (I don't like) and my insurance (that is trying to cut me off due to a buy out of my old company). I am sure she doesn't have to worry about such things.
If anything Paula may due is start a discussion with Type 2 diabetics being more honest with themselves and their denial. It may start family members to be more supportive of the diabetic in their family.
We may agree to disagree but this could have been announced in a more classy and heartwarming manner.
