Moving from denial to dedication: Meet Mark Savary

Mark Savary is a 61-year-old marketing executive, working in the field of cardiovascular-renal-metabolic disease. He first started treatment for Type 2 diabetes in 2018 – 3 years after his diagnosis in 2015. Curious? Keep reading below!

What’s the one thing you wish you’d known when you were diagnosed with diabetes?

When I was diagnosed with diabetes, I went into a state of denial, despite my extensive knowledge of the condition.

I wish I had known how to overcome this denial, as I delayed treatment for almost 3 years post my diagnosis.

Mark Savary, living with Type 2 diabetes

You have a real passion for diabetes advocacy – can you tell us about that?

My passion for diabetes advocacy is based on my life experiences while living with diabetes. Firstly, the stigma of diabetes in the workplace is very real and I have had to deal with severe discrimination in a previous job. This led me to leave my position without another job, as it was having a huge effect on my mental health.

I also realised while working in the pharmaceutical industry that most people living with diabetes, including myself, were not able to access lifesaving and life changing medication due to the exorbitant pricing. I’ve dedicated the last 3 years of my career towards opening up access to these medications to more people living with diabetes.

I have been able to drive the price of these medications down to where they are now: easily accessible to most people living with diabetes, including those in the state sector.

Mark Savary, living with Type 2 diabetes

My last area of passion is creating awareness and educating around the complications of diabetes. I am specifically dedicated towards collaborating on educating healthcare practitioners on the importance of screening for and treating CKD (Chronic Kidney Disease). This remains a global problem with greater prevalence than diabetes.

If you could change one thing about diabetes, what would it be?

The stigma around diabetes as well as the myth that people living with diabetes cannot enjoy a full and normal life.

What would you say to a person with diabetes who is struggling?

I strongly believe that you don’t have to battle alone with diabetes. There is a lot of support and help to guide you through this journey.

Don’t be afraid to reach out for help.
You are not alone in your struggle.

Mark Savary, living with Type 2 diabetes

What makes your life sweet?

I am dedicated to my family and I will do whatever it takes to ensure that I make amazing and beautiful memories with them. This includes practising discipline when it comes to my eating habits as well as my lifestyle.

• Follow Mark on LinkedIn.
• Listen to Mark’s guest appearance on an episode of the not Artificially Sweetened podcast.
• Learn about some of Mark’s work in collaboration with STEMI India.