Diabetic Chefs Discuss How They Cope & Cook

In the wake of Paula Deen's big annoucement that she is diabetic, we're learning that many of America's top chefs are also battling diabetes.

Tom Valenti is the Executive Chef and owner of Ouest restaurant in Manhattan, said to be Bill Clinton's favorite.

Valenti told INSIDE EDITION, "It's kind of an occupational hazard. We're eating and we're tasting and we're tasting and we're eating."

Like Deen, Valenti has Type 2 diabetes. He dramatically changed his eating habits and has lost 40 pounds. Valenti also wrote a cook book, You Don't Have to be a Diabetic to Love This Cookbook.  

There are many other famous chefs going public with their diabetes battle.

Sam Talbot who was a semi-finalist on season two of Top Chef, has a different type of diabetes than Deen. He was diagnosed a teenager. 

Chris Smith also has Type 1, or Juvenille Diabeties. Smith got the diagnosis while he was in Culinary School, and for a time thought he would have to give up cooking.  

Chef Emeril Lagasse told Good Morning America Thurdsay that he does not have diabetes, but says it runs in his family.

"We in our household have been dealing with it for many, many years.  In the words of Julia Child, 'it's about moderation'," said Lagasse. 

Valenti says he also wishes Deen only good health, and hopes she can learn how to find the proper balance in the kitchen.

"Being a chef, the componets are there for potential disaster, if you're not mindful," said Valenti.