Stage 3 CKD indicates your kidneys have mild to moderate damage, based on lab results. At this stage, you may start to notice symptoms of CKD, including frequent urination and changes to the color of your urine.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) refers to permanent damage to the kidneys that occurs gradually over time. Further progression may be preventable depending on the stage.
CKD is classified into five stages, with stage 5 indicating end-stage renal disease.
Stage 3 CKD falls right in the middle of the spectrum. At this stage, the kidneys have mild to moderate damage.
Stage 3 CKD is diagnosed by a doctor based on your symptoms as well as lab results. While you can’t reverse kidney damage, you can help prevent damage from worsening at this stage.
Stage 3 CKD is diagnosed based on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) readings. This is a blood test that measures creatine levels. An eGFR test is used to determine how well your kidneys are working at filtering wastes.
An optimal eGFR is higher than 90. Stage 5 CKD presents itself in an eGFR of less than 15. The higher your eGFR, the better your estimated kidney function.
Stage 3 CKD has two subtypes based on eGFR readings:
- Stage 3a: This stage indicates an eGFR between 45 and 59.
- Stage 3b: This stage indicates an eGFR between 30 and 44.
The goal with stage 3 CKD is to prevent further kidney function loss. In clinical terms, this can mean preventing an eGFR between 29 and 15, indicating stage 4 CKD.
You may not notice symptoms of CKD in stages 1 and 2, but the signs start to become more noticeable in stage 3.
Some of the symptoms of CKD stage 3 may include:
- dark yellow, orange, or red urine
- urinating more or less frequently than usual
- edema (fluid retention)
- unexplained fatigue
- weakness and other anemia-like symptoms
- insomnia and other sleep issues
- lower back pain
- increased blood pressure
It’s important to see a healthcare professional right away if you experience any of the above symptoms. While certain symptoms aren’t exclusive to CKD, having any combination of these symptoms is worth talking about with your doctor.
You should also follow up with your doctor if you’ve previously been diagnosed with stage 1 or stage 2 CKD.
Still, it’s possible to not have any previous history of CKD before getting diagnosed with stage 3. This could be due to the fact that stages 1 and 2 don’t typically cause any noticeable symptoms.
To diagnose CKD stage 3, a doctor will conduct these tests:
- blood pressure readings
- urine tests
- blood tests to help calculate eGFR
- imaging tests to rule out more advanced CKD
CKD can’t be cured, but stage 3 means you still have an opportunity to prevent further progression of kidney failure. Treatment and lifestyle changes are essential at this stage. Your doctor will talk with you about using a combination of the following treatment measures.
Stage 3 kidney disease diet
Since your kidneys are responsible for removing wastes and balancing electrolytes, eating a large amount of certain foods can put added stress on your kidneys.
Aim to prioritize whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and grains, over processed goods, which can be harder for your kidneys to process.
Your care team may recommend decreasing your protein intake. If your potassium levels are high, they may also recommend that you avoid certain high-potassium foods like bananas, potatoes, and tomatoes.
The same principle pertains to sodium. You may be advised to cut down on salty foods if your sodium levels are too high.
Weight loss is common in more advanced stages of CKD because of appetite loss. This can also put you at risk of malnutrition.
If you’re experiencing appetite loss, consider eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day to ensure you get enough calories and nutrients.
Learn more about the best foods to eat when you have CKD.
Medical treatment
Stage 3 CKD is typically managed with medications.
Some may be prescribed to help manage underlying conditions that may be impacting your kidneys. These include:
- angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors for high blood pressure
- angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) for high blood pressure
- glucose management medications for diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes, you may also be prescribed Kerendia (finerenone), a medication that can reduce your risk of:
- declining eGFR
- end-stage CKD
- cardiovascular issues, including heart attacks
Your doctor may also prescribe medications to help alleviate the side effects of CKD. These may include:
- iron supplements for anemia
- calcium or vitamin D supplements to prevent bone fractures
- cholesterol-lowering drugs
- diuretics to treat edema
In addition to making some dietary changes, other habits can also help with managing stage 3 CKD, including:
- Exercise. Aim for a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate activity per day on most days of the week. A healthcare professional can help you begin an exercise program safely.
- Blood pressure management. High blood pressure can be a precursor for CKD, and it can make your condition worse. Aim for a blood pressure of
130/80 or below . - Stress management. Techniques include prioritizing quality sleep, practicing mindfulness, and carving out time for relaxation.
- Smoking cessation. Talk with a doctor about the right methods of quitting smoking for you.
The goal of CKD stage 3 treatment is to prevent further progression. There’s no cure for any stage of CKD, and you can’t reverse kidney damage.
However, further damage can still be minimized if you’re at stage 3. It’s more difficult to prevent progression in stages 4 and 5.
When diagnosed and managed early, stage 3 CKD is associated with a longer life expectancy than more advanced stages of kidney disease. Estimates vary, depending on a range of things, including lifestyle factors and your age at diagnosis.
Much of the current data about life expectancy with stage 3 CKD is based on older research.
A 2012 study suggests that a 40-year-old with stage 3a CKD has an average life expectancy of 24.5 years, while a person of the same age with stage 3b CKD has an average life expectancy of 14.5 years. Life expectancy decreases as the age at diagnosis increases.
Aside from overall life expectancy, it’s important to consider your risk of disease progression. Another
It’s important to remember that this data about life expectancy and disease progression is more than a decade old. The authors of a
It’s also possible to experience complications from CKD, such as cardiovascular disease, which can affect your overall life expectancy.
Stage 3 CKD is often first detected once a person starts experiencing symptoms of this condition.
While stage 3 CKD isn’t curable, an early diagnosis can mean a stop to further progression. It can also mean a decreased risk of complications, such as heart disease, anemia, and bone fractures.
Having stage 3 CKD doesn’t mean your condition will automatically progress to kidney failure. By working with a doctor and staying on top of lifestyle changes, it’s possible to prevent kidney disease from worsening.