Traditionally, chronic kidney disease is divided into five stages depending upon its severity. This is as per the glomerular filtration rate. Stages 1-3 are considered early stage CKD (chronic kidney disease). The following table gives the definition of CKD based on glomerular filtration rate:
| CKD STAGE | DEFINITION |
| 1 | Kidney damage with GFR >=90ml/min/1.73 sqm. |
| 2 | Kidney damage with GFR of 60-89 ml/min/1.73 sqm |
| 3 | GFR of 30-59ml/min/1.73 sq m |
| 4 | GFR of 15-29 ml/min/1.73 sqm |
| 5 | GFR < 15 ml/min/1.73 sqm, or kidney failure treated by dialysis or transplantation |
It is found that approximately 22.4 million adults in the US have CDK. Moreover, the prevalence of stage 3 CKD seems to be increasing by the day.
How to manage the three stages of the kidney disease
If the disease has to be managed, it should be diagnosed early. This is the prime reason why it is necessary to know the symptoms of CKD beforehand. We already know that CKD is a mix of many diseases rolled into one. These are diabetes and hypertension. Therefore, much of the early stage management of CKD involves managing diabetes and hypertension. Managing diabetes is to control the blood glucose levels while managing hypertension means controlling blood pressure. While this is being done monitoring the effects of this management is very important so as the disease does not aggravate resulting in a stroke. Given below are a few options for managing CKD:
Probiotics
Certain microorganisms help the human body by consuming the bad bacteria present in the body. Bad bacteria accumulate due to kidney impairment. The microorganisms use these bad bacteria as food to grow and at the same time carry them to the bowels to be excreted. Probiotics like Renady promote kidney health
Maintaining healthy blood glucose levels
Patients with diabetes should proactively engage with their physician to keep blood glucose levels in their body under control. They should be careful to take the medicines prescribed. Diabetics should prevent the kidneys from getting over-worked by maintaining the blood glucose levels of the body within limits. This involves abstaining from sweet substances.
Controlling blood pressure
High blood pressure may strain blood vessels. This may influence the functioning of the kidneys. Blood pressure medications can help slow the growth of the disease and prevent the human body from getting sick. It can also prevent conditions like fatigue and insomnia. Even stress levels can be kept under control if the blood pressure is controlled.
Lifestyle improvement
The right diet and adequate exercise can help people keep their bodies healthy. They can also keep the kidneys from over-working. Exercise helps people lose or maintain their weight. This in turn helps the progression of CKD within the body. Therefore, having an active lifestyle is the cornerstone of keeping the body free from CKD.
Stage 1-3 kidney disease can be managed in these ways. Depending upon your body type and the right form of exercise, an individual can always take help from his physician to manage his kidney disease.