Food Network star and Southern cookbook author Paula Deen, who a year ago announced that she has type 2 diabetes, is sharing her tips on cooking to live a healthier, longer life.

Though better known for recipes such as Ooey Gooey Butter Cake, Deen has changed her repertoire to feature lighter, healthier fare. Deen, 66, was diagnosed with diabetes three years before she made the news public.

During a recent event at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center in Orlando, Fla., the Savannah, Ga., native cooked up chicken fajitas, substituting wheat for corn tortillas and Greek yogurt for sour cream.

Looking trim in white cropped pants and a loose sweater, Deen explained what took her so long to spill her health news.

"I was heartbroken. I was in denial for 18 months. I loved my life and wondered, is my whole life going to have to change? I had umpteen cookbooks and a cooking show."

When the pharmaceutical Nova Nordisk, which makes diabetes drugs, called Deen and asked if she would create some diabetes-friendly recipes, she was stunned.

"I asked them, 'How did you all know I have diabetes. I haven't told anyone.' "

Actually, the company didn't know. But that was the beginning of her public acknowledgment. Deen is now a spokeswoman for the company.

"It was wrong of her not to tell us," said Ana Mendiguren-Rodriquez, a nurse from Maitland, Fla., who was in the audience. "She had an obligation to her fans."

But Mendiguren-Rodriquez said Deen is doing the right thing now.

"I think people will listen because of who she is. She's showing by example."

First thing Deen did was give up her sweet-tea habit. Then she worked on her portions.

"I thought I was practicing moderation when I had two biscuits instead of three," Deen said jokingly. "I still have biscuits. Just not as often and not as many."

She also changed "the architecture of my plate," making room for a lot more greens.

As a result, she's down 35 pounds and said she has 15 to go.

Acknowledging that much of the obesity and diabetes epidemic is due to eating too much of the wrong foods, she conceded that it was time to rewrite the Southern cookbook.

Meanwhile, fans can cook up some of Deen's lighter recipes available at http://www.diabetesinanewlight.com

In the United States, 26 million Americans have diabetes, a disease that is often related to lifestyle. It contributes to more than 230,000 deaths a year, and is a leading cause of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, blindness and kidney disease.

Eating healthier and losing weight bring advantages that go beyond just looking and feeling better, said Deen: "I can polish my own toes! That makes me the happiest girl in town!"

© Copyright The Sacramento Bee. All rights reserved.

• Read more articles by Marni Jameson

Order Reprint