Stage 2 of Chronic Kidney Disease
Reviewed by Medical Contributor Dinesh K. Chatoth, MD, FASN on January 29, 2021.
Kidney damage with mild loss of kidney function, eGFR of 60–89
Stage 2 kidney disease means you have an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 60-89 with mild loss of kidney function. At chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 2, it's important to continue monitoring your health and make lifestyle changes that can help you slow the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and keep your kidneys working longer.
Symptoms of stage 2 kidney disease
Many people do not experience symptoms of kidney disease until the later stages of CKD. Possible stage 2 kidney disease symptoms and signs include:
- High blood pressure
- Swelling in your legs
- Urinary tract infections
- Abnormal urine test (protein in urine)
Steps to take at stage 2 kidney disease
- See your doctor regularly—tell your doctor if you're experiencing any unusual or unexplained health symptoms.
- Know your GFR—ask for a blood test to calculate your estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), so you can monitor your kidney health.
- Treat underlying health conditions—talk to your doctor about health conditions that can contribute to kidney disease such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
- Make healthy lifestyle choices—exercise regularly, quit smoking, eat well (see a dietitian for specifics), reduce stress, and get enough sleep.
- Take all medications as prescribed—and talk to your doctor before taking any over-the-counter medications.
Questions to ask your doctor now
- What causes stage 2 kidney disease?
Underlying conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes are the most common causes of CKD. Certain hereditary, health, and lifestyle factors can also increase your risk of CKD. - What is my GFR?
Your estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) measures how well your kidneys function and determines your stage of kidney disease. Your doctor uses the results of your creatinine blood test, your age, gender, and muscle mass to calculate your eGFR. - What steps can I take to improve my overall health?
Making healthy lifestyle choices, like quitting smoking, getting plenty of exercise, eating well, and maintaining a healthy weight, can go a long way toward slowing the progression of CKD.
How is stage 2 kidney disease diagnosed?
Because most symptoms of CKD do not show up until the later stages, many people do not receive a stage 2 kidney disease diagnosis unless they are being monitored due to a family history or because they have other health conditions. Your doctor can determine if you have stage 2 kidney disease by calculating your eGFR.
Eating healthy with stage 2 kidney disease
Eating a healthy diet is key to feeling your best and staying your healthiest. Your specific diet will depend on a number of factors related to your overall health. Talk to your doctor about what foods you should eat more of and what foods you may need to limit. You can also ask for a referral to a dietitian, who can address any nutrition concerns and help you learn more about eating well.
Stage 2 kidney disease life expectancy
People with stage 2 kidney disease are still considered to have only mild loss of kidney function. While there is no cure for kidney disease and kidney damage can’t be reversed, taking steps now to closely monitor your health and live a healthier lifestyle can slow the progression of CKD. Each person experiences kidney disease differently, and many people diagnosed in the early stages never have kidney failure. People who later experience kidney failure may live well for decades with a kidney transplant or dialysis.
Learn more about kidney disease stages
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