Chronic Kidney Disease Stages and What They Mean

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) happens when your kidneys slowly lose their ability to work well over time. Knowing the stages of CKD is important because it can help you manage the disease and keep it from getting worse. Let’s go over the stages and why catching CKD early is so important.

What Are the Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease?

Doctors figure out the stages of CKD by looking at how well your kidneys clean your blood. This is called the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). GFR is based on your age, gender, body size, and a test of your blood. CKD has five stages:

Stage 1: Normal or High GFR (90 mL/min or higher)
Your kidneys are working normally, but there may be early signs of damage, like protein in your urine. At this stage, it’s important to find and treat problems like high blood pressure or diabetes that can hurt your kidneys.

Stage 2: Mild Reduction in GFR (60-89 mL/min)
Your kidneys don’t work as well as they should, but you might not feel any different. Healthy habits like eating well and keeping your blood pressure under control can help slow down the damage.

Stage 3: Moderate Reduction in GFR (30-59 mL/min)
This stage is split into two parts:

• Stage 3A: GFR 45-59 mL/min
• Stage 3B: GFR 30-44 mL/min

At this point, you might feel tired, notice swelling, or have changes in how often you pee. It’s important to see your doctor often to manage problems like anemia (low red blood cells) or weak bones.

Stage 4: Severe Reduction in GFR (15-29 mL/min)
Your kidneys are very damaged, and symptoms are more obvious. You and your doctor will need to make a plan for treatment, which could include getting ready for dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Stage 5: Kidney Failure (GFR less than 15 mL/min)
Your kidneys can’t clean your blood anymore, and waste builds up in your body. At this stage, you will need dialysis or a kidney transplant to stay healthy.

Why Early Detection of CKD Matters

Catching CKD early can make a big difference. Many people with early CKD don’t notice any symptoms, so regular check-ups are key—especially if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney problems.

Do you think you could be at risk for CKD? Use our handout to learn more about risk factors, and access the CKD Risk Calculator linked on the document.

When CKD is found early, simple steps can help:

• Slow down the damage to your kidneys
• Prevent problems like heart disease or kidney failure
• Lower the chances of needing dialysis or a transplant

What You Can Do

If you think you might have CKD or are at risk, here’s what you can do:

• See your doctor regularly to check your kidney health.
• Control health problems like diabetes or high blood pressure.
• Eat a kidney-friendly diet with less salt, phosphorus, and protein. Need some help? View our kidney health diet guide and check out these kidney-friendly recipes.
• Exercise and stay at a healthy weight.
• Be careful with medicines like painkillers that can harm your kidneys.

By understanding the stages of CKD and why early detection matters, you can take steps to protect your kidneys and stay healthier for longer. For more resources, visit our Kidney Disease Resource Library. 

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