Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is divided into stages based on how well your kidneys are working. Most people with early stage CKD are managed by their GP and have very mild symptoms or no symptoms at all.
Only 1 in 50 people with CKD will ever need to receive dialysis treatment or have a kidney transplant.
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CKD is very common. It affects around 1 in 10 people in the UK (around 7 million people). CKD can affect people of all ages. -
Older people are more likely to develop kidney disease. Around 4 in 10 people over the age of 70 have some form of CKD. -
People living with high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes (type 1 or 2) or heart disease are more likely to develop CKD.
Early stage CKD explained
Our patient information page offers information about stages 1-3 CKD (mild or early stage CKD), its diagnosis, treatment and general lifestyle advice.
Patient information leaflets to download or order
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Stage 1-3 CKD
Early stage chronic kidney disease (CKD)
Download our patient information booklet about early stage CKD as a free PDF file to read, email or print. You can also order a printed copy.
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Easy read, Stage 1-3 CKD
Early stage CKD (Easy read)
Download our easy read patient information booklet about early stage CKD as a free PDF file to read, email or print. You can also order a printed copy.
Early stage chronic kidney disease: what you need to know
Chronic kidney disease stages 1 to 3 key facts
Kidney function isn’t related to alcohol like some forms of liver disease can be and can decline naturally with age in some people.
Several factors can affect whether you’ll develop CKD. These include:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Ageing
- Family history / Genetics
- Autoimmune diseases
- Lifestyle factors
“The standard advice is to reduce your salt intake, eat a healthy diet, cut down on processed foods, stop smoking and limit alcohol intake to no more than 14 units a week,” says Dr Kristin Veighey, clinical academic fellow in general practice and nephrologist.
“Only patients with severe CKD (stages 4-5), or whose bloods show a specific problem with salts such as potassium, need follow specific kidney diets.”
Always speak to a health professional for personalised advice before you restrict your diet in any way. You will be referred to a kidney dietitian for advice if you need to change what you eat because of your CKD.
In stages 1 to 3 CKD, you can expect to have blood and urine tests to check your kidney function organised by your GP practice at least once a year.
Dialysis and transplant are treatments for kidney failure (stage 5 CKD) which is when the kidneys can no longer work well enough to keep you healthy.
Only 1 in 50 people with CKD will develop kidney failure so it is very unlikely that you will need to have dialysis or a transplant.