Progression
If protein, or microalbuminuria, is detected in your urine, it is important to find out how well your kidneys are actually working.
Your healthcare provider will determine your estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Your eGFR will show how well your kidneys are filtering your blood.
To do this, your provider will test the creatinine levels in your blood. Creatinine is stored in your muscles and when it breaks down, it must be filtered by your kidneys. When the kidneys are not working efficiently, the creatinine will build up in your blood and will show up on a lab test.
eGFR is determined by your age, sex and race, along with your creatinine level. The more damaged your kidneys are, the lower your eGFR number will be. There are five stages of kidney disease based on your eGFR:
| Stage | Description | eGFR Level |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Kidney damage with normal or high GFR | 90 or above |
| Stage 2 | Kidney damage and mild decrease in GFR | 60 to 89 |
| Stage 3 | Moderate decrease in GFR | 30 to 59 |
| Stage 4 | Severe decrease in GFR | 15 to 29 |
| Stage 5 | Kidney failure | Less than 15 |
You and your doctor will determine a treatment plan based on your stage of kidney disease. Treatment recommendations may include self-care behaviors (including tight control of blood glucose and blood pressure), medications (such as ACE inhibitors), and changes to your meal plan (such as a low-protein diet).
Once your kidneys have failed, something must take over and clean your blood. This process is called dialysis, which serves as an artificial kidney. There are several types of dialysis, and a kidney transplant is also an option to consider. You and your healthcare team will discuss your options and choose the best one for you.
