Stage 2 Kidney Disease - Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment and Life Expectancy

Kidneys perform various day-to-day tasks like removing toxins and waste, controlling the high blood pressure and sugar levels, stimulating the red blood cells and cell production, and keeping the bones healthy. Once the kidney is damaged, physical damage to it cannot be fully reversed.

In early stages of chronic kidney disease, the kidneys are slowly getting damaged, and their kidney function and capacity also reduce over time. A proper treatment plan can slow down the progression healthy prevent kidney disease itself. Our stage 2 kidney disease discussion has covered everything you need to know about your kidney function and health.

What is Stage 2 CKD?

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a severe condition that results slow kidney damage and in the loss of kidney function. The glomerular filtration rates of kidneys are the most reliable indicator of the extent increased risk of either kidney failure or damage, and doctors must conduct thorough analyses of these rates.

In total, Chronic kidney disease has five stages and the second stage is considered to be mild form of the early end stage kidney disease with mild loss of kidney function. In stage 2,  an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is between 60 to 89.

Symptoms of Stage 2 kidney disease

In general, people do not experience any symptoms until later stages of stage 2 and 3 CKD and this is the major reason left untreated, stage 2 chronic kidney disease often goes undetected in early stages.

However, some of the few noticeable symptoms of stage 2 kidney disease include -

• Blood in urine
• Dark yellowish urine
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Swelling in legs and hands
• Insomnia
• High blood pressure
• Protein in urine
• Urinary tract infections
• Back pain
• Change in urine frequency

Diagnosis

Doctors may perform the following blood and urine tests below, to diagnose stage 2 kidney disease-

Glomerular filtration rate

This blood test shows how well the kidneys are filtering blood. It helps to find out the milliliters of blood being filtered per minute. By the blood test, seeing the reports and estimating eGFR the kidney doctor, will be able to determine the stage of chronic kidney disease and will plan the treatment accordingly.

Urine protein test

This test helps in measuring the amount of protein present in urine. Protein is present in the urine when the kidneys are not working properly. By seeing the reports the doctor will be able to treat the condition more accurately. 

Imaging tests

Certain imaging and other tests that will help the doctor look for the size, shape, and kidney function, of the healthy kidney or kidneys. Certain imaging tests include-

• Ultrasound
• Computer tomography images
• Magnetic resonance imaging scans

Treatment 

Chronic kidney disease has no permanent cure, but it can be managed with treatments and lifestyle modifications. The main goal of following the treatment is to slow down the progression of the disease, delay kidney failure, and keep the body healthy. 

Diet

Diet plays a significant role in underlying health conditions, affecting the heart disease kidneys. Some points to follow in stage 2 chronic disease concerning the diet include-

• Always eat lean protein.
• Include more whole grains, vegetables, and fruits in your diet.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Avoid excess salt and sugar.
• Add healthy fats to the diet.

Lifestyle

Some lifestyle modifications can help in slowing down the progression of the disease. Additionally, this can aid in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and healthy weight. Lifestyle modifications include

• Quitting smoking and alcohol
• Exercise
• Getting enough sound sleep
• Walk for 30 minutes, at least five days a week

Medication

Different patients require different medications according to age, healthy weight, health issues, and family medical history, medical and family history together, and other factors. However, medications may not be required at this stage of the condition. The doctor will perform a few tests and will plan the treatment accordingly.

Precautions

A healthy way of living and taking some precautions can help slow down the more advanced kidney disease and damage to your kidneys. A few precaution and mild kidney damage and kidney health and tips include -

• Consume nutritious food.
• Maintain blood pressure levels.
• Take medications as prescribed by a doctor.
• Keep a check on the glomerular filtration rate.
• Control the blood sugar level.

Can stage 2 kidney disease progress to Stage 3?

No, stage 2 chronic kidney disease does not always progress to stage 3 kidney failure. The speed of progression depends on many factors including treatment plans, changes in diet, and other lifestyle changes and modifications.  The doctor will help the best to slow down the progression. So, it is always recommended to follow the treatment plan as prescribed by the doctor to reduce the various risk factors of stage 2 kidney and progressing to stage 3 chronic kidney disease.

Can the progress of Stage 2 kidney disease to Stage 3 be slowed?

Yes, the progress of stage 2 kidney disease to stage 3 chronic kidney disease can be slowed down by following certain guidelines -

• Adopting healthy habits
• Following the treatment plan religiously
• Contacting the doctor regularly
• Keeping a check on eating habits

However, every patient's body is unique, so the doctor will guide you in determining specific changes based on your situation and other health conditions other than health problems and underlying conditions.

Stage 2 kidney Disease Life expectancy

The life expectancy of chronic kidney disease patients can vary and depends more advanced kidney disease and on their other health conditions various factors like-

• Age
• Lifestyle
• Overall health
• Treatment plan
• Other conditions

Patients with an eGFR of 60 or more can expect a lifespan of 3 to 45 years with one or more medications, depending on the other factors.

Conclusion

Stage 2 chronic kidney disease is an early stage and can be managed with proper diet, lifestyle habits, medications, and a proper treatment plan. Controlling blood sugar and high blood pressure slows later stages of chronic kidney disease progression. However, a person should always keep high blood pressure and their blood glucose and their kidneys healthy by following certain guidelines given by the doctor.