The Many Stages of CKD

Learning about how to manage CKD can be complicated (and scary). When it comes to diet there is so much to learn. Should you be avoiding oatmeal? Is having a whole banana too much? We always focus on looking at each person individually whenanswering these types of questions. The stage of CKD is one area we take into consideration when we discuss the proper foods for you.

Do you know your current stage of CKD?

Your kidney doctor determines the extent by classifying it into different stages. These stages are determined by measuring your glomerular filtration rate (GFR). As your kidney function decreases, so does the GFR.

GFR is a blood test that measures the amount of creatinine in the blood. Creatinine is a normal waste product from our muscles that is filtered by the kidneys. A high creatinine number will indicate the creatinine is not being filtered out by the kidneys. The glomerular filtration rate is calculated by using your creatinine level, age, ethnicity, and gender. The GFR determines the stage of CKD.

Let’s try to keep it simple:

Think of your GFR as a percentage of kidney function. Normal kidney function for adults is a GFR between 90-120. Therefore, if your GFR is 50, you could visualize this by having approximately 50% kidney function. Does this sound scary? Let's put it in perspective, GFR declines as we age, even if you don’t have kidney issues. A GFR equal or greater than 60 is classified in Stages 1 and 2. But could also be very normal based on your age!

We know how important early detection of declining kidney function is in delaying the progression. Proper diet, lifestyle changes and close monitoring with your kidney doctor can make all the difference!