Nearly six months after announcing that she was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, television personality Paula Deen has lost 30 pounds and shared the details of her weight loss plan in an exclusive interview with "People" magazine.


The issue will arrive on news stands this Friday and features a slimmed-down Paula on the cover looking svelte in her new size 10 body frame. The as-yet-revealed weight loss plan has helped Paula drop several dress sizes - down from a size 18 to a size 10.
"I do think differently now, I'm more aware," said the 65 year old Food Network star.


The cover story offers Deen's favorite healthy recipes and she also shares her newfound love for healthier food options such as Greek food.


"It took me a couple of years to get to this point. If you make a few small changes, they can add up to big results," Deen told PEOPLE.


Although Deen was diagnosed with diabetes three years ago, Deen only revealed her diagnosis in January. She faced harsh criticism for waiting so long to share the news.


Deen later revealed that she is a paid spokesperson for Novo Nordisk, one of the world's leading companies in diabetes care.
"Butter Queen" Deen was deemed a hypocrite by many critics including chef and television personality Anthony Bourdain for the timing of her diagnosis announcement. Critics expressed that she only revealed her health issues because of contractual obligations.


PEOPLE did not reveal whether Deen's weight loss plan included exercise. According to photos she posted on her Facebook page, the elliptical trainer she is on may have played a role in her weight loss.


Deen is married and currently resides in Savannah, Georgia, where she owns and operates "The Lady & Sons" restaurant with her sons Jamie and Bobby Deen.


Deen won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lifestyle Host for "Paula's Home Cooking" and has published five cookbooks.  

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