Stage 2 Kidney Disease: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatments

Is the onset of Stage 2 Kidney Disease causing concern or uncertainty in your life? From subtle symptoms to potential underlying causes, the journey through Stage 2 Kidney Disease can be overwhelming.

In this blog, we aim to guide you in taking control of this condition by providing clarity on its symptoms and exploring the various factors that contribute to its development. We'll also delve into the diverse treatment options available to effectively manage Stage 2 Kidney Disease. Continue reading this comprehensive blog post to learn more. 



What is Stage 2 Kidney Disease?

Stage 2 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), also known as Stage 2 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), is the second stage of the 5 stages of kidney disease. In Stage 2 CKD, there is a mild to moderate reduction in kidney function, typically indicated by a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) between 60 and 89 millilitres per minute per 1.73 metres squared.

In this stage, the kidneys are still functioning, but there may be early signs of kidney damage, such as protein in the urine or other markers detected in tests. Symptoms may not be apparent and individuals might not experience any significant health issues. However, it's essential to monitor kidney function regularly and manage any underlying conditions, such as hypertension or diabetes, that can contribute to kidney damage.

Symptoms

If you are diagnosed with Stage 2 CKD, your eGFR readings typically remain within the range considered 'normal' for kidney function, making it challenging to diagnose this stage of chronic kidney disease accurately. Some common symptoms to look out for include:

• yellow to red or orange shades of urine
• increased or decreased urination
• excessive fatigue
• high blood pressure
• fluid retention
• lower back pain
• muscle cramps at night
• insomnia
• dry or itchy skin
• blood in the urine



Causes

Stage 2 Chronic Kidney Disease is commonly caused by factors that hinder kidney function. When these factors disrupt the kidneys' normal processes, they struggle to filter waste from the blood and regulate urine production. Some of the common contributors to Stage 2 CKD include:

• high blood pressure
• diabetes
• autoimmune diseases
• certain medications
• genetic predispositions
• repeated urinary infection
• history of kidney stones
• kidney tumours or cysts
• lupus



Diagnosis

Stage 2 Kidney Disease, also known as Stage 2 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), is typically diagnosed through different laboratory tests. Here's how it's usually done:

Medical History

To help doctors diagnose stage 2 CKD, doctors will check your medical history, which provides valuable information about the underlying conditions, symptoms, and risk factors that may contribute to kidney disease. For instance, a family history of polycystic kidney disease (PKD) can indicate an increased risk of developing CKD.



Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate

In diagnosing kidney disease, a doctor often uses a blood test called estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) to measure creatinine levels. This test indicates how well your kidneys are filtering waste. An eGFR reading between 60 and 89 suggests Stage 2 Kidney Disease.



Blood Test

Blood tests such as serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) are commonly performed to measure the levels of waste products in the blood that are normally filtered out by the kidneys. In addition to assessing kidney function, blood tests can also include measurements of blood sugar levels, especially in individuals with diabetes.



Urine Tests

A 24-hour urine test may also be conducted to measure the amount of protein excreted in the urine. This test provides valuable information about the kidneys' ability to filter waste products, including proteins, from the blood.



Treatment

Once kidney damage starts, the harm can't be undone. However, there are steps you can take to slow down its progression and reduce the risk of kidney failure.

Kidney Disease Diet

While there isn't a single diet that can 'cure' Stage 2 CKD, choosing the right foods can play a role in managing your overall kidney health. A kidney-friendly diet typically includes foods that are low in sodium, phosphorus, and potassium while being mindful of protein intake. In addition, losing weight through a balanced diet can also alleviate strain on the kidneys and improve blood pressure control.



Lifestyle Changes

The following lifestyle changes can enhance the effectiveness of a healthy diet in managing Stage 2 Kidney Disease:

• increasing water intake
• maintaining a healthy weight
• consuming smaller meals more frequently
• quitting smoking
• practising stress reduction techniques
• getting a restful sleep
• engaging in daily physical activity
• taking iron supplements to address anemia and alleviate fatigue



Check Blood Pressure Levels

High blood pressure can worsen kidney damage and accelerate the progression of kidney disease that's why checking blood pressure levels is crucial to prevent this. Hence, the recommended blood pressure levels are:

• 125/75 mmHg for those with diabetes
• 130/85 mmHg for non-diabetes and non-proteinuria (absence or low levels of protein in the urine)
• 125/75 mmHg for non-diabetes with proteinuria (presence of protein in the urine)



Medical Treatment Plan

Medications for Stage 2 CKD are also important to address the existing conditions that may be causing kidney damage. For instance, if you have diabetes, you'll have to keep a close eye on your glucose levels. Medications such as:

• Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) or angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors may be prescribed to treat high blood pressure, which is a common contributor to CKD progression.
• Kerendia (finerenone) reduces the risk of GFR decline, kidney disease progression, heart disease, and hospitalisation due to heart failure in adults with CKD associated with type 2 diabetes.



Have Regular Checkups 

Stage 2 Kidney Disease is a condition that has no cure, which is why, it's essential to visit your doctor for regular checkups to monitor its progression and manage it effectively. During these checkups, your doctor will conduct various tests, including a serum creatinine test to assess GFR, evaluate renal function and detect any changes over time.



Takeaway

Living with Stage 2 Kidney Disease is challenging but manageable with the right balance of medication, lifestyle adjustments, and regular medical monitoring. While it is considered a mild form of kidney disease, you should still look for ways to manage it if you want to prevent further kidney damage and live actively and independently.

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Learn More About Kidney Disease

• Stage 1 Kidney Disease
• Stage 3 Kidney Disease
• Stage 4 Kidney Disease
• Stage 5 Kidney Disease