Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Learn what CKD is, its stages, and how to manage it.
Your kidneys are your body’s natural filtration system. They remove waste and extra fluid, balance electrolytes, regulate blood pressure, keep your bones healthy, and help produce red blood cells.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) means your kidneys are gradually losing this function. In early stages, you may not notice symptoms, which is why early testing is important.
Causes of CKD
Common causes include:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Genetic conditions
- Certain medications or toxins
How CKD is Diagnosed
Measures creatinine and calculates GFR (Glomerular Filtration Rate) to check kidney function.
Checks for protein or blood, which may indicate kidney damage.
CKD Stages Table
CKD STAGE 1&2
FILTRATION RATE (GFR) >60 ml/min
Care of CKD stage 1&2 focuses on treating the underlying cause of chronic kidney disease with goals on preventing further progression.
CKD STAGE 3
Stage 3A: GFR 45-59 ml/min
Stage 3B: GFR 30-44 ml/min
Goals of therapy with CKD stage 3 are to prevent further kidney damage and slow progression to stage 4 CKD. This may include medication changes to control hypertension or diabetes more aggressively, or possible dietary adjustments. The focus is on keeping chronic diseases uner control.
CKD STAGE 4
GFR 15-29 ml/min
Goals of therapy are to slow progression to stage 5 CKD and start preparing for the possibility of dialysis should the kidney disease continue to progress. You may also be referred for kidney transplant evaluation in this stage. After discussion with your practitioner, you may be referred to attend our dialysis education class and visit a surgeon to discuss options for a permanent dialysis access placement. Preparing for dialysis is not the same as needing to start dialysis. Preparation may begin years before you ever need dialysis. Patient education and preparation can delay or postpone the onset of dialysis and will make the transition to dialysis safer and much easier.
CKD STAGE 5 or End Stage Renal
GFR <15 ml/min
When a patient reaches stage 5 CKD, otherwise known as End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), they may need to start dialysis if they develop symptoms of kidney failure that can no longer be controlled with medications. Some of these symptoms include swelling, fatigue, difficulty breathing, poor appetite, and others. Your practitioner will work with you to finalize your plans for dialysis, kidney transplant, or maximum medical management without dialysis. Some patients have stage 5 CKD for years before needing to start dialysis and others must start right away depending on their symptoms.
CKD Treatment and Management
Your care team will create a plan based on your stage and overall health. Treatment may include:
To manage blood pressure, diabetes, and other conditions.
Lower sodium, potassium, or phosphorus to ease kidney strain.
Frequent labs and checkups to spot changes early.
Classes, resources, and early dialysis/transplant planning.
Living with CKD
Many people with CKD live full, active lives for years. You can help protect your kidneys by:
Accordion Content
Downloadable CKD Care Guides
- Living with Chronic Kidney Disease (PDF) – Fresenius Kidney Care
- Managing Chronic Kidney Disease – NKF (PDF)
Note: These downloadable documents are provided for educational purposes only. Each file remains the property of its original author or organization. Please speak with your healthcare provider before making any treatment decisions.
Understanding Your GFR Results
- eGFR: A Key to Understanding (PDF) – National Kidney Foundation
- eGFR Test & Levels – Cleveland Clinic
- Explaining Your Kidney Test Results (PDF) – NIDDK
- FAQs About GFR Estimates (PDF) – National Kidney Foundation
Note: These resources are for educational purposes only. Please consult your healthcare provider to interpret your test results and talk about your kidney health.
When to Contact Your Provider
Call your doctor right away if you notice:
- 📄 New or worsening swelling in your legs, feet, or face
- 📄 Sudden weight gain
- 📄 Shortness of breath
- 📄 Changes in urination (frequency, color, or pain)
- 📄 Severe fatigue or weakness
Disclaimer: The links and downloadable documents provided on this site are for educational purposes only. All external resources remain the property of their original authors or organizations, as noted in the file names or descriptions. We do not claim ownership of these materials, nor are we responsible for their content, accuracy, or updates. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider before making medical decisions or changes to your treatment, diet, or lifestyle.