Diabetes drug found in freshwater is a potential cause of intersex fish

[TexasTowelie]

A medication commonly taken for Type II diabetes, which is being found in freshwater systems worldwide, has been shown to cause intersex in fish -male fish that produce eggs.

A study by Rebecca Klaper at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee determined exposure to the diabetes medicine metformin causes physical changes in male fish exposed to doses similar to the amount in wastewater effluent.

In addition to intersex conditions, fish exposed to metformin were smaller in size than those not exposed, said Klaper, a professor in UWM's School of Freshwater Sciences.

The study, co-authored by Nicholas Niemuth, a researcher in Klaper's lab, was recently published in the journal Chemosphere.

Read more: http://phys.org/news/2015-04-diabetes-drug-freshwater-potential-intersex.html

Cross-posted in the Energy & Environment Group.

Please dispose any unused prescriptions in any environmentally conscious manner.

[EvolveOrConvolve]

1. I take the max dosage of Metformin

And I still have all the right plumbing. Plus, it does a really good job of controlling my BG levels.

I'll bet there are no T2 diabetics in that group of fish.

[TreasonousBastard]

2. How'd it get there is my first question...

explained here...

http://phys.org/news/2015-01-diabetes-drug-affecting-fish-lake.html#inlRlv

The drugs are not completely broken down by people's bodies after ingestion, are excreted and then are not fully removed by wastewater treatment processes. The flushing of old pharmaceuticals down the toilet contributes to the problem.

Interesting that this was noticed while studying hormonal effects of birth control meds in the water. Even more interesting might be what's there in another hundred years.