College Graduate Overcomes Diabetic Challenges
His Diagnosis
When now 23-year-old Alex Shoten was 10-months-old he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease in which the body does not produce insulin. But leading up to that diagnosis, his parents did not know what was wrong. He would wake up crying continuously, he stopped eating, he was dehydrated, and then one day his parents could not wake him up. Alex became unconscious and was in a state of coma. He had a very high blood glucose level, and after many tests at a nearby hospital on Long Island, he was diagnosed with diabetes.
Alex Looks Back: His Experience at Kravis Children’s Hospital at Mount Sinai
Alex’s parents were very worried and hopeful of finding a specialist and a hospital with state-of-the-art comprehensive care. After he was diagnosed, it was recommended that they take him to Mount Sinai Hospital because they had the best specialists and the latest technology like blood glucose monitors to test blood sugar and insulin delivery devices.
“When I started seeing doctors at Mount Sinai when I was a baby, the Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes at Kravis Children’s Hospital at Mount Sinai created a special treatment plan for me. They initially helped me manage my diabetes and educated my parents about it.
“I needed to take insulin and I had to monitor my food intake. A nurse came to our house three times a day to show us how to administer insulin injections, how to manage my food portions, and eat well-balanced meals,“ Alex remembers his parents telling him.
“It was definitely challenging as a young child. I was the kid always going to the nurse’s office during class to get my blood glucose level tested. My parents went to great lengths to not make me feel different though.” Alex continues, “I remember one day in kindergarten, the nurse who was checking my blood level, squeezed my tiny fingers so hard the blood would not come out. It was so painful and I got very frustrated. I decided that I wanted to check my own glucose level moving forward and I told my parents. They showed me how to use the meter and with full support and encouragement from the pediatric endocrinology team at Mount Sinai, this was my first step toward independence. I had a huge smile when I went to school the next day and I couldn’t wait to tell all of my friends the great news.”
New Found Independence as a Teenager
When he was 11-years-old, Alex was introduced to pediatric endocrinologist Robert Rapaport, MD, at the Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital who prepared a personalized treatment plan for the years ahead. Dr. Rapaport and the Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes team including a nurse practitioner, social worker, nutritionist and nurse educator, developed a personalized treatment plan allowing Alex a degree of independence that matched his activities.“Throughout my childhood, I knew I was different, “ Alex reflects back.“Dr. Rapaport and his team have been by my side every step of the way supporting me and encouraging me with every decision.”
“I remember when I was 11-years-old and he showed me how to use the insulin injection pen for the first time. He told me that I could do everything an 11-year-old does, such as play sports, play with friends, and just be normal. Dr. Rapaport gave me the tools I needed at such a young age and most importantly, the confidence.”
“When I was 12-years-old I went to a diabetes camp recommended by Dr. Rapaport and it was a wonderful experience because I got to meet other children my age who had my condition and we shared stories and experiences. It was on that trip that I learned about insulin pumps and the latest models being used. With Dr. Rapaport’s support, I researched and chose my favorite model. This was another big step toward more independence.”
Alex recalls when he began using an insulin pump to administer his own insulin in seventh grade. “It was hard at that age trying to explain to my friends what diabetes was and why I had to use the pump. But since that time I’ve been fairly self-sufficient and gained new found independence as a result.”
“As I grew older, I understood more and more the lengths that my parents and doctors went to, to make me feel confident and independent. They prepared me and educated my family, friends, and teachers so they knew how to help me.”
“I was a very active teenager. I played many sports including basketball, baseball, tennis, and I was a swimmer. Dr. Rapaport and his team were very understanding and supported my aspirations. They never said “no.” They always looked for a way around the limitation. They took the time to teach me how to be more disciplined about checking my blood sugar more often and eating healthier and on time so I had more energy to play sports. My parents wanted me to be independent and I wanted to take care of myself,” Alex says.
“That is what makes the Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes at the Kravis Children’s Hospital at Mount Sinai so special. Whether you are a baby or a young adult like myself, they will create a personalized treatment plan that focuses on your specific condition and they help you take care of yourself.”
“We recognize that at all stages of life it is critical to ensure age appropriate continuity of care including throughout adulthood. We worked closely with Alex and parents to ease the transition by educating them about self-monitoring of blood sugar, insulin delivery, monitoring supplies, and scheduling appointments for follow-up care,“ Dr. Rapaport says.
Looking Ahead to the Future
In 2012, Alex moved away to go to college at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He majored in Hospitality and Tourism Management in the Isenberg School of Management. This was a turning point because he had to become increasingly more responsible for managing his own health, being hundreds of miles away from his parents.
“My parents were concerned about my newfound independence and being among college-age students might have led me to start eating poorly, sleeping, and exercising less, and they were worried about my alcohol consumption – all the effects of which are all exacerbated for diabetics,” says Alex.
“I enjoyed college very much and I continued to monitor my glucose levels and tried to eat healthy but I felt like a normal kid doing what other college students do. But Dr. Rapaport was very encouraging and supportive and reminded me that I knew how to take care of myself and I did just that. They are so open-minded at Mount Sinai and this is why I keep coming back.”Today at 23-years-old Alex is feeling great and enjoying being a college graduate. For him the transition to adulthood has been relatively easy. Because he overcame challenges when he was younger, those experiences prepared him for his adult path. He’s now excited to be pursuing a career in event management and living his dreams.
“Dr. Rapaport has been extraordinarily supportive,” Alex said. “I feel that I can do anything as a diabetic thanks to him.”
Mount Sinai holds a special place in Alex’s heart.
“I like to think that I am a little more than just a patient here,” he says. “I keep coming back because I know I’ll get the best care from the best doctor, and his fantastic team. They are like family to me. I have been in great hands. Mount Sinai has been there for me nearly my entire life,” Alex smiles.