All About Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Description: your kidneys are damaged, but are almost able to function normally

GFR above 90 mL/min

What this means: During stage 1, your kidneys are working at an almost normal level, but there may be blood or protein in the urine. There are no symptoms of CKD itself, but there may be symptoms of the underlying diseases causing CKD, such as diabetes or glomerulonephritis. You will probably not notice symptoms of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and can live a normal life but will have regular clinician visits to monitor your GFR and manage any other health issues that may affect your kidney functioning.

Description: damage has caused a mild loss of your kidney function

GFR 60-89 mL/min

What this means: As CKD progresses to stage 2, the loss of kidney function is still mild, and usually, symptoms have not developed. However, people with, for example, diabetes are often diagnosed during CKD stage 2 and will start treatment to help slow down CKD progression.  Like in stage 1, you will likely not notice symptoms of chronic kidney disease (CKD), but will need to regularly visit your clinician in order to have your GFR monitored and manage any health problems that may affect your kidney functioning.

Description: damage has caused a moderate loss of your kidney function

GFR: 30-59 mL/min

What this means: CKD stage 3 is a key stage when symptoms may first occur or kidney disease may be first diagnosed. At this stage, treatment should be undertaken to slow the progression of the disease. Many people live with stage 3 CKD, with only some progressing to the advanced stages. Regardless, undergoing regular assessment and treatment is essential to prevent the progression. 

Learn more about chronic kidney disease stage 3 and the symptoms you may experience.

Description: damage has caused a severe loss of your kidney function

GFR: 15-29 mL/min

What this means: CKD stage 4 means there is advanced kidney damage, with a high risk of progression to kidney failure. There needs to be discussions and planning for dialysis to replace kidney functions at stage 4.

Learn more about chronic kidney disease stage 4 and the treatment options available to you.

Description: your kidneys have failed

GFR less than 15

What this means: CKD stage 5, also known as end-stage kidney disease, indicates kidney failure, where one will need to start dialysis. 

Remember that every chronic kidney disease (CKD) patient is unique. Not only your glomerular filtration rate (GFR), but also your age, physical condition, medical history and lifestyle will factor into your clinician’s treatment recommendation. The treatment choice should always be a joint decision between you and your clinician.

Learn more about chronic kidney disease stage 5, the prognosis, and treatment options available to you.

If you have chronic conditions that might contribute to CKD, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, it is critical that you treat them properly. Follow your doctor's recommendations take your prescribed medications, and schedule regular appointments with your doctor to maintain a good control over your blood sugar or blood pressure.  

Smoking puts you at a higher risk of cardiovascular conditions, such as heart attacks and strokes, which are some of the risk factors of CKD. Quitting smoking can improve your overall well-being by lowering the risk of developing many chronic diseases. 

Following a healthy, balanced diet can regulate your blood pressure, sugar, and cholesterol level, reducing the risk of developing CKD. 

A well-balanced diet consists of:  

• a variety of fruit and vegetables 

• complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains and legumes, 

• dairy products or dairy substitutes  

• food rich in protein such as beans, pulses, fish, eggs, and meat 

You should avoid foods that are high in: 

• Saturated/trans fat 

• Salt 

• Sugar 

Your doctor may also advise you to make dietary adjustments that can help to delay the progression of your chronic kidney disease, such as lowering your potassium or phosphate intake. 

Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can cause your blood pressure and cholesterol levels to rise to unhealthy levels. 

You should drink in moderation. It is advised that men have no more than two alcoholic drinks per day and women have no more than one alcoholic drink per day.³

Regular exercise can help lower your blood pressure and reduce the risk of CKD. It is recommended to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as cycling or rapid walking, per week. For at least 2 days a week, it is also advised to include strength exercises to build your core muscles. Your core muscles are muscles found at your pelvis, lower back, hips, and abdomen, training these muscles allows you to have better stability and balance.