If your doctor told you that your eGFR is between 60 and 89, you might be wondering what that number actually means—and whether you should be worried. The short answer? It depends. This range could mean your kidneys are starting to lose a bit of function, or it might be perfectly normal, especially depending on your age and health history.

First, What Is eGFR?

eGFR stands for estimated glomerular filtration rate. It’s a number that tells your healthcare team how well your kidneys are filtering waste from your blood. The higher the number, the better the filtering. A “normal” eGFR is generally 90 or above, but that’s not a one-size-fits-all rule.

Your eGFR is calculated using your creatinine levels (a waste product your muscles produce), along with your age and sex. So if you’re over 60 and your eGFR is in the 60–89 range, that might be completely normal for you. Our kidneys naturally slow down a bit as we age, just like other parts of our bodies do.

The key, however, is if your eGFR is in the 60–89 range and there’s another sign of kidney damage present, like:

• Protein in your urine, 
• Blood in your urine, or 
• An abnormal kidney scan.

In these instances, your doctor may diagnose you with Stage 2 chronic kidney disease (CKD).) 

Age and Sex Matter, Too

If you’re in your 30s or 40s, an eGFR below 90 might raise more concern than if you’re 70 or 80. In older adults, lower eGFRs are often just part of aging and don’t always signal disease. In addition, men tend to have more muscle mass, which affects creatinine levels and can slightly lower eGFR results even if the kidneys are healthy.

So don’t panic; context is everything. That’s why your care team looks at the full picture, including your: 

• Lab results, 
• Symptoms, and 
• Risk factors like:
  • Diabetes,  
  • High blood pressure,
  • Heart disease, and
  • Close family history of CKD.

Think of an eGFR of 60–89 as a yellow light: it’s not necessarily dangerous, but it does mean “pay attention.” You might not have CKD—or you might be in the early stages. Either way, this is a great time to take steps that protect your kidneys and keep you feeling your best.

What You Can Do Right Now

Here are some smart, practical ways to support your kidneys:

• Keep your blood pressure in check. The ideal is under 130/80 if you’re at risk (AHA).
• Manage your blood sugar. If you have diabetes, controlling it helps protect your kidneys long-term.
• Ask about medications. ACE inhibitors or ARBs can slow kidney function decline if you have protein in your urine.
• Drink enough fluids. Don’t overhydrate, though; balance is key. Caffeinated drinks don’t count as hydration, since they promote urination and water loss.
• Avoid NSAIDs. Ask your doctor before taking new meds or supplements.
• Eat kidney-smart. Focus on lower salt and moderate protein, and speak with a renal dietitian about potassium and phosphorus if needed.
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol. Both can harm your kidney and heart health.
• Get regular checkups. These are needed to track your eGFR, urine protein, and blood pressure over time.

Bottom Line

An eGFR of 60–89 doesn’t mean your kidneys are failing, but it is a sign to check in with your health, especially if you have risk factors for kidney disease. The good news? You have the power to slow down and even prevent further decline by making a few meaningful changes and staying on top of your care.

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