Stages of Kidney Disease

What are the five stages of kidney disease?

There are five stages of chronic kidney disease. Stage 1 is the closest to healthy kidney function, and Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 5 requires dialysis or a kidney transplant.

GFR, which stands for glomerular filtration rate, estimates kidney function. If your GFR is 26, that means your kidneys are working at approximately 26 percent of the normal rate.

MILD

CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE STAGE 1, GFR > 90 

• Minor kidney damage
• Kidneys function similar to normal kidneys

CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE STAGE 2, GFR 89-60

• Kidney damage with mild loss of kidney function
• Few to no symptoms
• Manage through healthy diet and blood pressure regulation
   

MODERATE

CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE STAGE 3A, GFR 59-45

• Kidney damage ranging from mild to moderate
• Kidneys do not function properly as how they should 

CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE STAGE 3B, GFR 44-30 

• Could have fatigue, urination change, sleep problems and kidney pain
• Speak to your doctor about a kidney-friendly diet, managing high blood pressure and prescription medications that may help
   

SEVERE

CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE STAGE 4, GFR 29-15

• May develop high blood pressure, anaemia, bone disease or cardiovascular diseases.
• Symptoms include fatigue, nausea, taste changes, nerve issues, difficulty sleeping, and poor appetite and energy.
• See a kidney doctor to manage your disease and ask about a kidney transplant.
• A dietitian can help manage your diet.
   

END-STAGE RENAL DISEASE (ESRD)

CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE STAGE 5, GFR < 15

• Symptoms include loss of appetite, nausea, itching, swelling, and making little to no urine
• Treatment options include dialysis or kidney transplant