We are delighted to announce Dr Simon Berry as a touchENDOCRINOLOGY Future Leader 2026, selected by peers as an emerging leader in the field of diabetes and endocrinology.
Dr Simon Berry is a clinician–researcher based in Sheffield, UK. He is currently undertaking a PhD in hypoglycemia at the University of Sheffield as a Clinical Research Fellow in diabetes, supported by NIHR Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) and NNUKRF funding. His research focuses on hypoglycemia and its cardiovascular impact, with a particular interest in developing diabetes technology–focused educational interventions to treat impaired awareness of hypoglycemia through a large, NIH-funded, multicenter, randomized controlled trial.
Alongside his clinical and academic training, Simon has established an impressive research profile for his career stage, including first-author publications and presentations at major international meetings such as the American Diabetes Association, ATTD and EASD. His work spans innovative therapies and technologies in diabetes care, including studies investigating tirzepatide in type 1 diabetes, metyrapone and involvement in major collaborative research programmes, reflecting a strong commitment to translational research that improves outcomes for people living with diabetes.
Simon has also demonstrated leadership beyond research. As Chair-elect of the Young Diabetologists & Endocrinologists’ Forum (YDEF) and a co-opted member of the Diabetes Technology Network UK committee, he plays an active role in shaping national education and training. Through securing industry support for national residential courses in diabetes technology, he has helped expand training opportunities for future diabetes specialists across the UK.
In this Q&A, Simon reflects on what first inspired him to pursue a career in diabetes and endocrinology, the mentors who have influenced his development and the innovations he believes are set to transform the future of diabetes care.
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What inspired you to pursue a career in diabetes and endocrinology?
My fascination with diabetes and endocrinology began in medical school and has only deepened through clinical practice. Supporting people through the unique 24/7, 365-day demands of diabetes self-management is a privilege, especially as they balance medical needs alongside the realities of daily life. Meanwhile, endocrinology poses diagnostic challenges involving conditions that interact with almost every system of the body.
Who has been the most significant mentor or role model for you, and what did you learn from them?
Dr Ahmed Iqbal and Professor Simon Heller (Sheffield, UK) have been instrumental to my development as both a clinician and a researcher. Alongside their clinical expertise, they instilled in me the principle that our research must always focus on improving the lives of people living with diabetes and reducing the burden of the disease, while consistently striving for excellence in the care we provide.
What current innovations in diabetes and endocrinology excite you the most?
I am most excited by the development of immunotherapies to delay the onset of type 1 diabetes and the significant progress that is occurring with stem-cell derived islet transplants as a potential cure for the disease. The emergence of new multi-agonist treatments for type 2 diabetes is also transformative, managing glucose levels whilst protecting cardiovascular and renal health. I am interested to see whether these treatments can be used as adjunctive therapies to achieve similar goals in type 1 diabetes.
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Cite: Dr Simon Berry on shaping the future of diabetes care through technology and research: touchENDOCRINOLOGY Future Leaders 2026. touchENDOCRINOLOGY. September 2026.
Disclosures: This short article was prepared by touchENDOCRINOLOGY in collaboration with Dr Berry. No fees or funding were associated with its publication.
Editor: Carla Junkier, Editorial Director.
