Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) involves the progressive loss of kidney function. Stage 3 CKD is the middle stage, representing a moderate decline in the kidneys’ ability to filter waste from the blood. This stage is significant because symptoms often begin to appear, and the risk of related health complications increases substantially. A Stage 3 diagnosis signals that proactive management and lifestyle changes are necessary to preserve remaining function and slow the disease’s progression.
Understanding the Kidney Function Scale
Kidney function is measured using the estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR), which calculates how much blood the kidneys filter per minute. This rate defines the five stages of Chronic Kidney Disease. Stage 3 is classified by an eGFR between 30 and 59 mL/min, reflecting a substantial reduction from normal function.
This stage is divided into two substages to guide treatment. Stage 3a indicates a mild-to-moderate loss of function (eGFR 45–59 mL/min). Stage 3b represents a more advanced decline (eGFR 30–44 mL/min), often correlating with a higher risk of progression.
Diagnosis also involves measuring albumin, a type of protein, in the urine, known as albuminuria. Higher albumin levels suggest more significant kidney damage and an increased risk of the disease worsening. Combining the eGFR stage and albuminuria level helps professionals determine the overall seriousness and the best course of action.
Common Symptoms and Health Risks Associated with Stage 3
A diagnosis of Stage 3 CKD is often the point at which physical symptoms start to manifest due to the moderate buildup of waste products in the bloodstream. One frequently reported symptom is persistent fatigue and weakness, resulting from the kidneys’ decreased ability to produce the hormone erythropoietin. This hormone is necessary for red blood cell production, and its deficiency leads to anemia.
The reduced capacity to regulate fluid and electrolyte balance also results in noticeable symptoms. Many individuals experience swelling (edema), typically in the hands, feet, or ankles. Patients may also notice changes in urination patterns, such as an increased need to urinate at night, or foamy urine due to protein leakage.
Beyond daily symptoms, Stage 3 carries significant health risks. Impaired function increases the risk of developing high blood pressure (hypertension), which causes further kidney damage. The condition also disrupts the body’s metabolism of calcium and phosphorus, which can lead to bone disease and weakened skeletal structure over time. Individuals with Stage 3 CKD face an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke, making heart health a primary concern.
Essential Lifestyle and Dietary Management
Managing Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease relies on consistent lifestyle and dietary modifications to relieve stress on the remaining kidney function. Strict control over blood pressure is crucial to protect the kidneys from further deterioration. Maintaining target blood pressure, often through medication, directly reduces the force exerted on the tiny blood vessels within the kidneys.
For individuals with diabetes, rigorous management of blood sugar levels is equally important, as high glucose progressively damages the kidney filters. Dietary adjustments focus on limiting minerals and nutrients the kidneys struggle to process. Sodium restriction, typically aiming for 2,000 milligrams per day or less, helps control fluid retention and manage blood pressure.
Protein intake requires careful monitoring, as its breakdown creates nitrogenous waste products the damaged kidneys must filter. A moderate restriction (often 0.6 to 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight per day) can reduce the workload on the kidneys. Phosphorus and potassium levels must also be watched. Limiting phosphorus is important to prevent bone disease, as it accumulates when the kidneys cannot excrete it.
Patients should also be cautious about all medications, especially over-the-counter pain relievers. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, should be avoided because they can reduce blood flow to the kidneys, potentially accelerating the progression of existing CKD. Working with a renal dietitian is the most effective way to tailor these complex dietary requirements to individual needs and lab results.
Medical Monitoring and Slowing Progression
Regular medical monitoring is necessary to track the trajectory of Stage 3 CKD and implement strategies to slow its progression. Routine blood and urine tests check the eGFR and assess albuminuria. Tracking these numbers allows the healthcare team to confirm stability or detect acceleration toward Stage 4 or End-Stage Renal Disease.
Specialized care from a nephrologist, a doctor focused on kidney diseases, is often recommended, especially as the eGFR drops toward the lower end of Stage 3. These specialists prescribe specific medications that offer protection to the kidneys independent of blood pressure control. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are commonly used because they reduce pressure inside the kidney’s filtering units, helping to reduce protein leakage.
Newer medications, such as SGLT-2 inhibitors, are also increasingly used for their proven benefits in slowing CKD progression and reducing cardiovascular risk, even in non-diabetic patients. The goal of all medical intervention is to manage underlying conditions like hypertension and diabetes effectively, thereby preserving the existing kidney function. With diligent medical oversight and adherence to a treatment plan, people with Stage 3 CKD can significantly slow the disease’s advancement.