Stage 1 (CKD1)

Your eGFR is above 90ml/min (normal) but some other tests suggest you may have some kidney damage – for example, you have protein in your wee.

Your eGFR is above 90ml/min (normal) but some other tests suggest you may have some kidney damage – for example, you have protein in your wee.

Stages and eGFR levels

How you might feel: As your kidneys are still working well, you’re unlikely to have symptoms. But some people have high blood pressure, some swelling in their hands and feet and urinary tract infections.

How doctors will treat you: They’ll try to slow down kidney disease progression. That will probably involve making sure underlying conditions, like high blood pressure and diabetes, are well managed. You may also be given lifestyle advice to help you support your kidneys.

Most people diagnosed with CKD stages 1-3 will never need to see a kidney specialist and will remain under the care of their GP.

Only around 1 in every 50 people diagnosed with CKD will go on to develop kidney failure and need renal replacement therapy (dialysis treatment or a transplant).

More information about Stage 1 CKD

  • Early stage chronic kidney disease: what you need to know

    It’s normal to have lots of questions about what a diagnosis of early stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) will mean. We asked Dr Kristin Veighey, a clinical academic fellow in general practice and former nephrologist, to respond to some common concerns.

  • Kidney disease stages

    The five stages of CKD range from being at risk through to kidney failure, when your kidneys stop working. But only around one in 50 people with CKD ends up with kidney failure. Most people can manage their condition with treatment that slows down its progress.

  • 10 healthy habits for happy kidneys

    Your kidneys work hard for you and they don’t ask for much in return. While you can’t always prevent chronic kidney disease (CKD), making just a few tweaks to your lifestyle can go a long way towards helping to protect your kidneys.