Welcome to Diabetes From The Ground Up!
Where you can learn to confidently manage your diabetes.
Whether someone referred you here or you stumbled upon my site by accident, I am so glad you are here! Welcome.
My name is Hannah Killion, and I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (formerly known as Certified Diabetes Educator).
I have always been passionate about food and nutrition being an integral part of health and wellbeing. Food can be one of the most powerful medicines to treat many chronic conditions, including diabetes!
I am also a big believer in the idea that “knowledge is power.” When you understand how your body functions, you gain the power to find freedom from the challenges you face. Are you ready to take the next step in your diabetes journey?
My goal is to help you move from confused, overwhelmed, or frustrated to confident, motivated, and free.
Professional Experience & Credentials
Professional Experience
- Clinical Inpatient Dietitian: I worked with patients who were admitted to the hospital. I gained a wide background of experience and knowledge on all areas of nutrition in the management of chronic disease.
- Outpatient Dietitian and Diabetes Educator: I am currently providing education and guidance to patients who schedule appointments, both for nutrition counseling and diabetes education.
- Diabetes Program Coordinator: I teach monthly diabetes classes and maintain the quality of a Diabetes Self-Management program that is accredited by the American Diabetes Association and the Michigan Department of Health.
What is a registered dietitian Nutritionist?
An RDN is someone who has completed the following requirements:
- Graduated with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited dietetics program (*starting in 2024, a master’s degree will be required)
- Completed a minimum of 1200 hours in an accredited internship, consisting of experience in a variety of areas. My internship included food service management, community nutrition, and clinical hospital experience.
- Passed a national registration exam, similar to the board exams for medical students.
What is a Certified Diabetes Care and Education specialist?
A CDCES (formerly known as a CDE – Certified Diabetes Educator) is someone who has completed the following requirements:
- Earned a qualifying credential (ie. RDN, pharmacist, physician, etc.).
- Reached a minimum of 2 years of experience in the qualifying discipline.
- Obtained at least 1000 hours of experience providing diabetes care and education.
- Received 15 hours of continuing education credits in the area of diabetes prior to obtaining the CDCES, as well as annually after certification.
- Passed a national certification exam.