Stage 2 kidney disease is mainly asymptomatic and may be difficult to diagnose. Some physical symptoms include changes in urine color and dry or itchy skin. Lifestyle changes can help prevent progression past stage 2.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a type of long-term damage to the kidneys. It’s characterized by permanent damage that progresses through five stages.

A diagnosis of stage 2 CKD means you have minor damage.

The goal of treatment for CKD is to stop the progression to a later stage. While you can’t reverse the damage at any stage, you still have an opportunity to stop stage 2 CKD from progressing to stage 5.

A doctor will perform a blood test called an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) to diagnose CKD. This test measures the creatinine in the blood, indicating whether the kidneys are filtering waste.

A high creatinine level means your kidneys aren’t functioning optimally. With stage 2Trusted Source, your eGFR reading will fall between 60 and 89.

eGFR readings at stage 2 are still considered within an expected kidney function range, so it can be difficult to diagnose CKD in this stage.

A doctor may also perform imaging tests, such as a renal ultrasound, for a better look at your kidneys and to assess the extent of any damage.

CKD isn’t typically diagnosed at stage 1 because there’s little damage and few symptoms. Stage 1 can transition to stage 2 when kidney function decreases or possible physical damage occurs.

Stage 2 CKD is largely asymptomatic, with most noticeable symptoms not appearing until a later stage.

Possible symptoms include:

Factors that decrease kidney function, such as high blood pressure or diabetes without proper management, may result in kidney damage over time, or CKD.

When these organs don’t work properly, they can’t remove waste from the blood and produce the right urinary output.

The most common causes of CKD include:

The longer your kidneys are left without proper management, the more damage they could endure.

You should see your doctor if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above.

But since mild CKD doesn’t have as many noticeable symptoms as advanced stages, you may not realize you have stage 2 CKD until your annual physical.

A doctor will likely monitor your kidney health carefully if you have any risk factors or a family history of kidney disease.

You can’t reverse kidney damage once it occurs. You can, however,prevent further progression. This involves combining lifestyle changes and medications to help treat the underlying causes.

Regular blood work — including eGFR, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and electrolyte screenings — should be monitored closely in individuals with CKD to help prevent progression.

Close monitoring can indicate whether your treatment plan is improving overall kidney function.

Stage 2 chronic kidney disease diet

While no single diet can “cure” stage 2 CKD, focusing on the right foods and avoiding others may help increase kidney function.

Try to avoid foods containing a high amount of sodium (salt), as these are among the worst foods for your kidneys. Also avoid:

A doctor may also recommend cutting down on both animal and plant proteins if you eat an excessive amount. Too much protein is hard on the kidneys.

At stage 2, you may not need to follow some of the restrictions recommended for more advanced CKD, such as avoiding potassium.

You should focus on maintaining a dietTrusted Source of fresh, whole foods from the following sources:

Medications for stage 2 chronic kidney disease

The goal of medications for stage 2 CKD is to treat the underlying conditions that contribute to kidney damage.

If you have diabetes, you’ll need to monitor your glucose carefully.

Kerendia (finerenone) is a prescription medication that, in adults with CKD associated with type 2 diabetes, may reduce the risk of:

Preventing CKDTrusted Source progression can feel daunting. The small choices you make daily can impact the bigger picture of your overall kidney health.

You can start at home with remedies that complement a balanced diet for stage 2 CKD management:

Other strategies you might want to implement in your daily life are:

  • avoiding smoking if you smoke, or speaking with your doctor about a cessation plan
  • avoiding alcohol if you drink
  • exercising at least 30 minutes daily

A medication side effect or a blockage may occasionally cause acute kidney injury. Once your doctor identifies the cause, kidney function may improve with treatment.

No cure is available for CKD that has resulted in permanent damage, including mild cases diagnosed as stage 2.

You can, however, take action to avoid progression. It’s possible to have stage 2 CKD and prevent it from progressing to stage 3.

People with stage 2 CKD still have overall healthy kidney function.

It’s most common in people older than 65Trusted Source, and as many as 9 in 10 adults don’t know they have it.

Regular testing and early treatment can prevent stage 2 CKD from progressing and improve your outlook.

Stage 2 CKD is a mild form of CKD, and you may not notice any symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose.

You’ll want to ensure you undergo regular blood and urine tests if you have any underlying conditions or a family history that increases your risk of CKD.

Once you receive a diagnosis of CKD, stopping the progression of kidney damage is dependent on lifestyle changes. Talk with your doctor about how to get started.