Keelin Hankin Joins Diabetes Association
The Bermuda Diabetes Association has welcomed Registered Dietitian Keelin Hankin to its team, further enhancing the charity’s nutrition services for people living with diabetes across Bermuda.
A spokesperson said, “Keelin joins Registered Dietitian and Head Diabetes Educator Sara Bosch de Noya, continuing the Association’s commitment to providing individualised, evidence-based nutrition support to the community.
Head Diabetes Educator Sara Bosch de Noya, Registered Dietitian Keelin Hankin
“Registered Dietitians are qualified healthcare professionals who use nutrition therapy to help prevent and manage a range of medical conditions. For people living with diabetes, dietitians provide tailored nutritional counselling and practical recommendations to support blood sugar management, reduce the risk of complications and empower individuals to live well with diabetes.
“Appointments with the Association’s Registered Dietitians do not require a co-pay, helping to ensure that expert nutrition and diabetes education remains accessible to people living with diabetes.
“The Bermuda Diabetes Association’s nutrition services are making a significant impact across the island. During the Association’s last financial year, 450 people received ongoing medical nutrition therapy, while 196 individuals newly diagnosed with diabetes or prediabetes accessed initial nutritional counselling and education. Importantly, 87 per cent of participants who attended both an initial consultation and follow-up appointments improved key health markers.
“Alongside one-to-one appointments, the Association offers a range of educational programmes designed to help people better understand and manage diabetes.
“These include the Association’s new CGM education class, Flatten the Curve, which is designed specifically for existing continuous glucose monitor [CGM] users. Participants learn how to use food, movement and meal timing to reduce glucose spikes and improve blood sugar stability. The Association also provides free one-to-one FreeStyle Libre training sessions, helping people gain confidence in using continuous glucose monitoring technology.
“In partnership with local chef Rachel Wilks of Two Fish in a Barrel, the Association also hosts regular hands-on cooking classes, equipping participants with the skills and confidence to prepare healthy, nutritious meals at home.”
Sara Bosch de Noya, Head Diabetes Educator at the Bermuda Diabetes Association, said: “We are delighted to welcome Keelin to our team. As demand for nutritional counselling continues to grow, it is vital that people living with diabetes continue to have access to high-quality, personalised education and support.
“Nutrition is a cornerstone of diabetes management, but there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Every individual has unique health goals, lifestyles and challenges, and our role is to provide practical, evidence-based advice that empowers people to make sustainable changes and take control of their health in order to meet diabetes goals and live well.
“Keelin brings a wealth of experience in diabetes care, chronic kidney disease, weight management and cardiovascular health, and I know she will be a tremendous asset to both our team and the local community.”
A spokesperson added, “Originally from Ireland, Keelin has ten years of experience in clinical nutrition. Prior to moving to Bermuda in 2019, she worked at St James’s University Hospital in Leeds, England, supporting surgical and oncology patients throughout their treatment. Since relocating to Bermuda, Keelin has worked as an outpatient dietitian, helping individuals manage a wide range of health conditions through personalised nutrition care.”
Keelin Hankin added: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining the Bermuda Diabetes Association and supporting individuals living with diabetes. I believe healthy eating should be enjoyable, empowering and tailored to each person’s unique lifestyle, routine and preferences.
“My passion is helping people build a positive relationship with food and make sustainable changes that support both their health and overall wellbeing. Rather than striving for perfection, I focus on practical, evidence-based strategies that fit into everyday life. I’m excited to work alongside Sara and the wider team to help people feel confident, informed and empowered to live well and optimise their diabetes care.”
A spokesperson added, “To access nutrition counselling services, individuals require a referral from their GP or specialist, which should include relevant medical history and laboratory results from the past six months, including HbA1c [blood sugar] results. Those without a GP or specialist should contact the Association directly for further assistance.
“For more information on nutritional counselling services at the Bermuda Diabetes Association, visit www.diabetes.bm or call 441-297-8427 ext. 19.”
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