Paula Deen to come clean about diabetes on 'Today'

Celebrity chef Paula Deen plans to set the record straight about rumors that she's been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes on a Tuesday (Jan. 17) "Today" appearance on NBC.

On Thursday, the rumor -- which first surfaced in a 2010 National Enquirer story -- took on new life when The Daily reported that Deen was preparing not only to confirm the diagnosis, but had signed a multi-million dollar deal to become a spokesperson for the diabetes drug Novartis.

Deen -- considered the doyenne of Southern cooking -- built her reputation on high calorie, high fat recipes and an unapologetic affinity for butter. In August 2011, chef and TV personality Anthony Bourdain called Deen "the worst, most dangerous person to America." Deen also appeared on the "Dr. Oz" show in October and asked for help to quit smoking cigarettes.

Earlier this month "Not My Mother's Meals" -- a cooking show hosted by Deen's son -- debuted on the Cooking Channel.