Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a long-term condition where the kidneys gradually lose function. CKD has five stages. Stage 3 means your kidneys have moderate damage and are less effective at filtering waste from your blood. While kidney damage is not usually reversible, making informed choices can help slow the disease’s progression and maintain quality of life. Here’s what you need to know about stage 3 CKD, its impact, and ways to manage it.*

The Impact of Stage 3 CKD on Your Health

At stage 3 CKD, your estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) falls between 30 and 59, meaning your kidneys are working at about 30–59% of their normal function. This stage is divided into two sub-stages:

• Stage 3a: eGFR between 45 and 59
• Stage 3b: eGFR between 30 and 44

As kidney function declines, waste products can accumulate in the body, increasing the risk of complications like:

• High blood pressure, 
• Anemia, and 
• Bone disease. 

The urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) helps measure kidney damage by detecting protein (albumin) in your urine. The more albumin present, the higher the risk of disease progression. While dialysis isn’t necessary at this stage, proactive management is key to preventing further decline.

Recognizing Symptoms and Diagnosing CKD

Some people with stage 3 CKD experience no symptoms, while others may notice:

• Fatigue and muscle cramps
• Swelling in the hands or feet
• Changes in urination (more frequent, foamy, or darker urine)
• Dry, itchy skin
• Trouble sleeping, including restless leg syndrome

Doctors diagnose CKD through blood tests (to measure eGFR) and urine tests (to check albumin levels). Additional tests like imaging scans or kidney biopsies may help determine the underlying cause. If you have conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, regular testing is essential for early detection and monitoring.

Treatment and Lifestyle Changes for Kidney Health

Although CKD has no cure, treatment focuses on slowing progression and managing symptoms. Medications may include:

• ACE inhibitors and ARBs to protect kidney function
• Diuretics to reduce swelling
• Phosphate binders
• Iron supplements for anemia
• SGLT2 inhibitors to lower blood sugar and protect the kidneys

Lifestyle changes also play a crucial role in preserving kidney function, such as:

• Following a kidney-friendly diet, 
• Staying active, 
• Quitting smoking, and 
• Managing conditions like diabetes can help preserve kidney function. 

Working closely with a doctor and possibly a nephrologist ensures the best approach to managing stage 3 CKD effectively.

*American Kidney Fund. (2025, January 20). stage 3 chronic kidney disease (CKD) causes, symptoms and treatment. https://www.kidneyfund.org/all-about-kidneys/stages-kidney-disease/stage-3-chronic-kidney-disease-ckd-causes-symptoms-and-treatment 

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