What is Stage 1 Kidney Disease?

Stage 1 Kidney Disease: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Chronic kidney disease is diagnosed when there are persistent abnormalities of kidney structure or function lasting at least three months, such as reduced eGFR or markers of kidney damage (e.g., albuminuria), regardless of symptoms. It develops slowly through various stages, leading to different complications. Thus, it is essential to understand the changes your body undergoes during the various stages of the disease to manage them effectively.

This guide provides a brief overview of stage 1 kidney disease, its complications, and treatment options to help manage it effectively.

Keep reading! 

What is Stage 1 Kidney Disease?

Stage 1 kidney disease is diagnosed when the eGFR number is 90 or above. It indicates mild kidney damage and is often called the onset of chronic kidney disease. If this persists for three months or more, then it can lead to a host of life-threatening diseases and complications.

However, eGFR is not enough to diagnose stage 1 chronic kidney disease.

How Do Healthcare Providers Diagnose Stage 1 Kidney Disease?  

The presence of protein in the urine indicates the onset of kidney disease. Healthcare professionals check Urine Albumin-Creatine Ratio (uACR) levels and eGFR numbers before diagnosing stage 1 kidney damage. If the uACR number remains above 30 consistently for three months, then you are at risk of kidney damage and cardiac diseases.

The uACR value is categorized into three stages, representing different health risks associated with kidney damage, which is measured for three months:

• A uACR <30 mg/g is considered normal to mildly increased and does not indicate CKD unless other markers of kidney damage are present.
• If it ranges between 30 and 300, this indicates that you are at a higher risk of developing stage 1 kidney disease and cardiac diseases as well.
• A uACR number higher than 300 indicates a high risk of stage 1 kidney damage and an even higher risk of developing cardiac diseases.

What are the Initial Symptoms of Stage 1 Kidney Disorder?

Chronic kidney disease progresses slowly and often doesn’t show any signs or symptoms. So, it is sometimes referred to as the silent disease. Here are a few symptoms that stage 1 kidney damage may show:

• High blood pressure or hypertension
• Swelling around the hands or feet
• Infections in the urinary tract for a longer period
• Presence of protein in the urine
• Patches of blood in the urine (also referred to as hematuria)
• If the patient has albuminuria, then they may notice foamy urine.
• Kidney damage as detected in imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, or kidney biopsy

Who is at Higher Risk of Developing Chronic Kidney Disease? 

Although anyone can get chronic kidney disease. However, individuals who are at higher risk of developing this disease are listed below: 

• Individuals with diabetes.
• People with high blood pressure.
• Individuals suffering from heart disease.
• Those with a family history of kidney disease.
• People with abnormal kidney structure or size.
• If you are 60 years or above.
• Smokers are at a higher risk of developing CKD.

What are the Treatment Options for Stage 1 Kidney Failure?  

The treatment plan for stage 1 kidney failure includes the following:

1. Lifestyle Modifications

Inculcate healthy lifestyle habits to reduce the risk of disease progression. Consider these lifestyle changes:

• Stop smoking or consuming tobacco products, as they can worsen the condition and increase the risk of other diseases.
• Follow a regular exercise routine to increase strength and lower stress levels. You can start with brisk walking or running.
• Get enough rest and focus on maintaining a healthy sleep cycle.
• If you are obese, inculcate healthy eating habits and maintain your weight in the recommended range.
• Follow mindful habits, such as meditation and journaling, to manage and reduce stress levels.

2. Proper Nutrition

• Eat a balanced meal loaded with fresh vegetables, fruits, plant-based proteins, and lean meats.
• Avoid processed foods, fast foods, refined sugars, and sugary drinks.
• Reducing sodium intake (salt) is important if you have high blood pressure. Consuming less than 2300 mg of salt (1 teaspoon) daily is recommended.

3. Medicines

• The doctor may prescribe certain medicines based on your condition and medical history to prevent further kidney damage.
• For instance, if you have higher uACR levels, the doctor may prescribe an ACE or SGLT2 inhibitor.
• If you have high cholesterol levels, then the doctor may prescribe a statin.
• Additionally, he can prescribe medications if he finds any deficiencies in your tests.

4. Other Important Metrics   

Besides the above basic aspects, focus on building a healthy routine to inculcate all the habits. Try maintaining blood sugar and blood pressure levels in the recommended target ranges. Here are the suggested ranges for blood pressure for different individuals:

• 125/75 if you have diabetes
• 130/85 if you are non-diabetic and don’t have proteinuria
• 125/75 if you are non-diabetic but suffer from proteinuria

Reader information: This article is intended for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Chronic kidney disease and its management vary from person to person based on individual health conditions. Readers should consult a qualified healthcare professional or nephrologist for personalized medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment decisions. The information provided is based on general clinical guidelines and may not reflect the most recent medical advancements or individual circumstances. Any references to insurance coverage, benefits, or hospital networks are illustrative and subject to policy terms, conditions, exclusions, and insurer discretion.

Also Read:

→ What are the Signs of Kidney Damage

→ What is the Cause of Kidney Failure

→ Can Kidney Disease be Cured