Your Stage:

Healthy kidneys or minimal damage but with normal eGFR
GFR LEVEL: 90mL/min or more

Stage 1 CKD is diagnosed when a person has minimal kidney damage In Stage 1, there are often just no symptoms observed at this stage

Kidney damage and mild decrease in GFR
GFR LEVEL: 60 TO 89 mL/min

In Stage 2 CKD, the GFR is mildly decreased between 60-89, indicating the person has kidney damage and mild loss of kidney function. Similar to Stage 1 CKD, a person may not develop any symptoms at this stage. Hence, screening of kidney disease is essential to diagnose this disease at early stages in order to prevent its progression

Moderate decrease in GFR
GFR LEVEL: 30 TO 59 mL/min

This Stage is categorised into 2 stages – 3A (GFR is 45 to 59) and 3B (GFR is 30 to 44). If you are diagnosed at this stage, it is imperative you discuss your case with a kidney doctor (Nephrologist) and also take dietary guidance from a Kidney Dietitian (also known as a Renal Dietitian) to help you delay the progression of kidney disease

Severe decrease in GFR
GFR LEVEL: 15 TO 29 mL/min

When CKD progresses to Stage 4, it is an advanced stage of kidney disease and you need to consult your kidney doctor (Nephrologist) and start discussing about further treatment options

At this stage a Renal Dietitian can help you alter your diet to suit your kidney function. She can also help you avoid any complications that can arise due to inappropriate diet

To read more about brief fact check on renal diet, click here

Kidney Failure
GFR LEVEL: Less than 15 mL/min or on dialysis

A person with Stage 5 CKD has end stage renal disease (ESRD) with a GFR less than 15 ml/min. At this advanced stage of kidney disease, the kidneys have lost nearly all their ability to do their job effectively, and eventually dialysis or a kidney transplant is needed 

Whether you opt for kidney dialysis or a kidney transplant, a Renal Dietitian can help you navigate safely through both by recommending suitable dietary modifications