Stage 3 (CKD3)

At 3a, your eGFR is 45-59ml/min. At 3b, your eGFR is 30-44ml/min. Kidney damage is now mild to moderate and your kidneys are beginning to struggle with filtering waste and extra fluid out of your blood.

This is split into two stages: 3a and 3b.

At 3a, your eGFR is 45-59ml/min. At 3b, your eGFR is 30-44ml/min.

Kidney damage is now mild to moderate and your kidneys are beginning to struggle with filtering waste and extra fluid out of your blood.

How you might feel: This is the stage when a lot of people begin to notice signs of a problem, as waste starts to build up and begins to affect different parts of the body. Symptoms can include:

  • swelling in your hands and feet
  • dry, itchy skin
  • feeling tired and weak
  • trouble sleeping
  • muscle cramps
  • foamy wee
  • a change in how often you need to wee.

How doctors will treat you: They may prescribe medicines that treat your symptoms as well as underlying conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes. Healthy lifestyle changes are crucial at this stage, including moving around more and eating a kidney-friendly diet. The good news is that with treatment and lifestyle changes, lots of people stay stable at stage 3 and their CKD doesn’t get worse.

More information about Stage 3 CKD

  • Exercise and keeping fit

    The following information outlines the types of exercise that is recommended for people with kidney problems and gives advice on the best ways in which to exercise.

  • A healthy diet and lifestyle for your kidneys

    Most people with kidney problems will benefit from a healthy diet. It is important to try to eat the right balance of foods to stay healthy.

  • 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.