Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a common condition, but many patients feel confused or overwhelmed when they hear they have “kidney disease.” My goal with this post is to explain CKD in simple terms, help you understand your test results, and guide you on when to seek expert kidney care.
What Is Chronic Kidney Disease?
Your kidneys act as natural filters. They remove waste and extra fluid from your blood, balance electrolytes, and help control blood pressure. Chronic Kidney Disease means your kidneys are not working as well as they should over time.
CKD often develops slowly and may not cause symptoms in the early stages. That is why regular blood and urine tests are so important.
Understanding CKD Stages (Based on eGFR)
Doctors use a blood test called eGFR (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) to measure how well your kidneys are filtering. The higher the number, the better your kidney function.
Stage 1: Normal or Near-Normal Kidney Function
eGFR: 90 or higher
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Kidneys are working well
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There may be protein in the urine or other signs of kidney damage
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Focus: Control blood pressure, diabetes, and protect kidneys
Stage 2: Mild Kidney Disease
eGFR: 60–89
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Mild decrease in kidney function
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Often no symptoms
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Focus: Prevent further damage
Stage 3: Moderate Kidney Disease
eGFR: 30–59
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Kidney function is moderately reduced
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You may start to feel tired, have swelling, or abnormal labs
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Focus: Close monitoring and kidney-protective treatment
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This is an important stage to see a nephrologist
Stage 4: Severe Kidney Disease
eGFR: 15–29
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Severe loss of kidney function
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Symptoms may become more noticeable
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Focus: Preparing for possible dialysis or transplant, if needed
Stage 5: Kidney Failure (End-Stage Kidney Disease)
eGFR: Less than 15
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Kidneys can no longer support the body
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Dialysis or kidney transplant is usually needed
How to Read Your Kidney Test Results
Here are the most common tests you may see on your lab report:
1. Creatinine (Blood Test)
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A waste product in the blood
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Higher creatinine = lower kidney function
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Creatinine alone is less useful than eGFR
2. eGFR (Estimated Kidney Function)
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Best overall measure of kidney function
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Used to determine CKD stage
3. Urine Protein or Albumin (ACR or Protein-to-Creatinine Ratio)
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Protein in the urine is a sign of kidney damage
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Even with a normal eGFR, protein in urine is important
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Lower protein = better kidney protection
4. Potassium
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Important electrolyte
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Can be high or low in kidney disease
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Abnormal levels can affect heart rhythm
5. Bicarbonate (CO2 on labs)
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Helps maintain acid-base balance
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Low levels may occur in CKD
6. Hemoglobin
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Checks for anemia
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Kidney disease can cause low blood counts
When Should You See a Nephrologist?
You should consider seeing a kidney specialist if you have:
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eGFR less than 60 (Stage 3 or worse)
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Significant protein in your urine
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Rapid decline in kidney function
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Difficult-to-control blood pressure
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Electrolyte problems (potassium, sodium, etc.)
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Recurrent kidney stones or urinary infections
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Diabetic kidney disease
Early referral to a nephrologist can help slow progression, prevent complications, and avoid emergencies.
How You Can Help Protect Your Kidneys
Simple steps make a big difference:
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Control blood pressure
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Control blood sugar if you have diabetes
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Take kidney-protective medications as prescribed
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Avoid NSAIDs (like ibuprofen and naproxen) unless approved
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Follow a kidney-friendly diet when recommended
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Stay hydrated (unless your doctor advises fluid restriction)
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Keep regular lab and follow-up appointments
Final Message to Patients
Chronic Kidney Disease does not mean you will automatically need dialysis. With early detection, proper treatment, and partnership with your healthcare team, many patients can slow or even stabilize kidney disease for years.
Understanding your numbers and asking questions is one of the most powerful things you can do for your kidney health. If you are unsure about your test results or CKD stage, a nephrology consultation can help you create a personalized plan to protect your kidneys and your overall health.