Getting diagnosed with stage 2 kidney disease can feel overwhelming, but understanding what it means can put you in a better position to take control of your health. In this article, we’ll explore what stage 2 kidney disease means and what you can do to prevent further kidney damage.

What Is Stage 2 Kidney Disease?

Stage 2 chronic kidney disease (CKD) means your kidneys have some mild damage and are not filtering your blood as well as they used to. Many times, you don’t have noticeable symptoms since your kidneys are still somewhat functioning.

Doctors measure kidney function using a test called estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), or sometimes just called glomerular filtration rate (GFR). An eGFR number depends on your age, your biological sex, and how much creatinine (a waste product) is in your blood. A lower eGFR indicates more kidney damage and a higher stage of kidney disease.

When your GFR falls between 60 and 89, it means you have stage 2 kidney disease. Even though your kidneys are still doing their job, there may be early signs of damage. For example, your doctor might find proteins like albumin in your urine, which is a sign that your kidneys are leaking important substances they should be keeping in your body.

When kidneys are damaged and gradually lose their function over a period of three or more months, they can progress to different stages of CKD (from stage 1 to stage 5). In addition to common causes like hypertension and diabetes, there are also rare types of kidney disease that can cause CKD, including:

• Complement 3 glomerulopathy (C3G) — A type of kidney disease that specifically causes damage to the glomeruli, the tiny blood vessels in your kidneys that are responsible for filtering blood
• Immune complex membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (IC-MPGN) — A type of kidney disease that causes inflammation in the glomeruli

Both of these rare types of kidney disease are autoimmune. They occur when the body’s complement system (a part of the immune system) becomes overactive.

What Are the Symptoms of Stage 2 Kidney Disease?

Unlike more advanced stages of kidney disease, stage 2 often doesn’t cause obvious symptoms. This is why many people don’t realize they have kidney problems until it progresses. That said, there are a few signs some people may notice, including:

• Edema (swelling) in the feet or hands
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Proteinuria or albuminuria (proteins or albumin in the urine)
• Hematuria (blood in the urine)
• Frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Kidney stones or cysts (fluid-filled sacs)

• Signs of kidney damage on imaging tests like ultrasounds or MRIs

Because symptoms are often mild or absent, it’s important to regularly see your healthcare provider to monitor your kidney health, especially if you have risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease.

What Causes Stage 2 Kidney Disease?

There are many causes of kidney disease, and some of the most common causes include:

• Diabetes, which can damage the tiny blood vessels in your kidneys
• High blood pressure, which puts extra strain on your kidneys’ filtering system over time
• Autoimmune diseases like lupus, which can cause inflammation in the kidneys
• Family history of kidney disease or kidney damage, which may increase your likelihood of developing CKD

Other risk factors for kidney disease include older age, abnormal kidney size or structure, and heart disease.

How Is Stage 2 Kidney Disease Diagnosed?

To diagnose kidney disease, your healthcare provider will often ask you about your medical history, current medications, and any symptoms you’ve noticed. From there, they often use several tests to check for kidney disease, including:

• Blood tests to measure eGFR by checking your creatinine level
• Urine tests to look for total proteins or albumin and blood
• Imaging tests like ultrasounds or CT scans to examine the structure and size of your kidneys
• Kidney biopsy to check for rare disease

To get a more accurate measurement of albuminuria, your doctor will look at the urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR), which is the amount of urine albumin in milligrams compared to urine creatinine in grams. If this value is between 30 milligrams and 300 milligrams per gram, it’s known as microalbuminuria. If the value is greater than 300 milligrams per gram, it is known as macroalbuminuria. The higher the uACR, the higher the risk of kidney failure. Your doctor will probably perform repeated tests over a period of three or more months to make sure the high uACR values are not due to other causes.

How Can You Slow It Down?

While kidney damage can’t be reversed, you can take steps to keep it from getting worse. Here are a few lifestyle changes that can help:

1. See a Doctor Regularly

Your primary care physician can refer you to a nephrologist, or kidney specialist. They can monitor your kidneys and develop a treatment plan that works for you. Seeing a healthcare provider regularly enables you to detect changes early on and prevent further kidney damage.

2. Follow a Kidney-Friendly Diet

While there’s not a specific strict diet you need to follow if you have stage 2 kidney disease, there are a few things you can keep in mind to minimize any further damage to the kidneys. Try to eat more fruits, vegetables, lean meats, fish, and plant-based proteins. Look to cut back on processed foods, sugars, and salt, especially if you have high blood pressure or diabetes. Your doctor can give you some ideas about which foods are best for you, and they can also refer you to a dietitian if necessary.

3. Stay Physically Active

Aim to exercise for at least 30 minutes a day on most days throughout the week by doing activities like walking, biking, or swimming. Physical activity can help you feel more energized and strong while offering other benefits like better blood pressure control and improved sleep. Always be sure to talk to your doctor first about what exercises you can do and how often you should be active.

4. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Extra weight can put pressure on your kidneys to work harder, which can make kidney disease worse. Having a higher body weight can also put you at a higher risk of complications like high blood pressure and diabetes. That said, a healthy weight can vary from person to person. Talk to your doctor about what a healthy weight looks like for you.

5. Quit Smoking

Smoking and tobacco products can damage blood vessels, including those in your kidneys. Quitting can slow down kidney damage and reduce other risk factors, improving your overall health.

6. Limit Alcohol Intake

While alcohol does not usually cause direct damage to the kidneys, it can raise your blood pressure and interfere with the effects of medicines you are taking for your kidneys or other existing health conditions.

7. Control Other Health Conditions

If you have diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure, it’s important to keep them well managed. Addressing other health conditions can lower your risk of kidney disease progression.

8. Take Medications as Prescribed

Depending on the type of kidney disease you have, your doctor may prescribe medications to help protect your kidneys. Always follow your doctor’s instructions and ask questions if you’re unsure. Don’t start or stop any medications without discussing with your doctor first. If you are taking any supplements or over-the-counter pills, let your doctor know.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyKidneyDiseaseTeam is the social network for people with kidney disease and their loved ones. On MyKidneyDiseaseTeam, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with kidney disease.

How has your lifestyle changed since being diagnosed with stage 2 kidney disease? What advice do you have for someone newly diagnosed with stage 2 kidney disease? Comment below, or start a new conversation on your Activities page.