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Ruben Studdard reacts to diabetes diagnosis on 'Biggest Loser'

Looks like Ruben Studdard joined "The Biggest Loser" just in time. On Tuesday's episode, the "American Idol" season two champ is diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes by Dr. Robert Huizenga, who serves as one of the show's medical experts. In a clip that NBC is sharing first with TODAY, the Velvet Teddy Bear reacts to the news during a sit-down with the doctor and trainer Dolvett Quince."I most definite
Image: Ruben Studdard, Dolvett Quince
NBC

Looks like Ruben Studdard joined "The Biggest Loser" just in time. On Tuesday's episode, the "American Idol" season two champ is diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes by Dr. Robert Huizenga, who serves as one of the show's medical experts. 

In a clip that NBC is sharing first with TODAY, the Velvet Teddy Bear reacts to the news during a sit-down with the doctor and trainer Dolvett Quince.

"I most definitely want to be around for a long time," Studdard tells the two men, explaining how hard he's worked for his career. "This has really, like, given me a second chance."

The 35-year-old singer told TODAY host Meredith Vieira in 2006 that he has "a family history of diabetes and high blood pressure," which is why getting healthy is so important to him. Studdard had managed to lose some of the weight he packed on after winning "Idol," but the weight came back despite his diet changes and participation in weight-loss programs. 

As for why he chose "Loser" to help him get back to a healthier weight, he joked to TODAY this summer, "Because I'm fat as hell!" 

And so far, so good. At the show's first elimination weigh-in of season 15, Studdard lost 21 of the 462 pounds he started with.

"The Biggest Loser" airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on NBC.