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What do CKD stages mean, and what should I expect at each stage?

CKD usually gets worse slowly over time. Your care team uses a blood test called GFR to track how well your kidneys are filtering.

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CKD — chronic kidney disease — usually develops slowly, and your kidneys' health is tracked mainly through a blood test called GFR (glomerular filtration rate), which measures how well your kidneys filter your blood. A GFR of 60 or more is in the normal range. A GFR below 60 may mean kidney disease is present. A GFR of 15 or less is called kidney failure. Most people in the early stages of CKD have no symptoms. Testing is the only reliable way to know where you stand. As CKD advances, your nutritional needs can change, and a dietitian may help. Controlling blood pressure and blood sugar may help slow the progression. If the kidneys fail, treatment options include dialysis or a kidney transplant. Ask your care team to explain your GFR results and what they mean for your care plan.

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This page is educational, not medical advice. Talk with your care team about decisions that apply to you. If something feels urgent, contact your care team — for emergencies call your local emergency number.