What is the Creatinine Level for Stage 3 Kidney Disease?

Understanding Stage 3 Kidney Disease

Kidneys are two bean-shaped organs that help eliminate waste from our body and when the kidneys have mild to moderate damage and are unable to filter out waste and fluid from the blood, we can say that one is suffering from stage 3 kidney disease. Waste or uremia buildup in the body due to non-functioning kidneys can lead to complications such as high blood pressure, anaemia and bone problems. 

Symptoms of Stage 3 Kidney Disease

Some people suffering from stage 3 kidney disease do not exhibit any symptoms. Stage 3 kidney disease is when the disease begins to affect your health, so make sure to keep an eye out for the slightest symptoms. Stage 3 kidney disease symptoms include:

• Weakness

• Swelling in hands and feet

• Dry and itchy skin

• Pain in the lower back

• Muscle cramps

• Insomnia

• Restless leg syndrome

• Frequent urination

• Foamy or dark urine

If you are considered high risk for kidney disease, such as having diabetes or high blood pressure, the doctor may recommend frequent testing to keep track of your kidney health.

Role of Creatinine in Kidney Function

Creatinine is a waste product that comes from the digestion of protein from the food and the normal breakdown of muscle tissue. Everyone has some level of creatinine in their blood but too much can be a sign of kidney disease. Normally, kidneys remove creatinine from the blood and excrete it through urine. With kidney disease, creatinine builds up in the blood, suggesting a problem with the kidneys. 

Normal creatinine levels for healthy adults vary from 0.6 to 1.1 mg/dL for women and 0.7 to 1.3 mg/dL for men. These ranges are based on factors like age, muscle mass, and diet.

Creatinine Levels Specific to Stage 3 Kidney Disease

Stage 3 kidney disease means a person has moderate kidney disease, eliminating around 45% of kidney function. When the kidney’s ability to filter out waste decreases, the level of creatinine in the blood increases. The creatinine level of a patient suffering from stage 3 kidney disease ranges between 1.3 and 1.9 mg/dL. 

Increased creatinine indicates a higher risk of kidney problems but it alone is not enough to diagnose stage 3 kidney disease. Doctors need to look at the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), a measure of the kidneys’ ability to filter blood. 

For Stage 3 kidney disease, the eGFR (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) typically ranges between 30 and 59 mL/min/1.73 m². Hence, a combination of creatinine and eGFR is required for the correct diagnosis of stage 3 kidney disease.

Life Expectancy in Stage 3 CKD

Many people living with kidney problems wonder about their life expectancy with stage 3 kidney disease. Stage 3 kidney disease does not statistically lead to stage 4 kidney disease. But it does predispose someone to mortality more than not having any kidney disease at all.

If you have stage 3 kidney disease, you shouldn't expect to feel many severe symptoms but this is the time to reevaluate your lifestyle, habits, make treatment plans with your doctors, talk to the diet consultant and focus on staying healthy. 

Monitoring and Managing Creatinine Levels 

For individuals with Stage 3 chronic kidney disease (CKD), managing creatinine levels becomes especially important to help maintain kidney function and slow down further progression. Regular blood and urine tests, such as creatinine and GFR (glomerular filtration rate) assessments, are used to evaluate how well the kidneys are filtering waste and to identify any changes over time. Management often involves a combination of lifestyle adjustments, dietary guidance and medical supervision to help maintain stable kidney function. 

• Stay hydrated (as advised by your nephrologist).

• Follow a dialysis-friendly diet, low in sodium, potassium and add protein where necessary.

• Take prescribed medications consistently.

• Avoid over-the-counter painkillers that can strain the kidneys.

• Engage in light, regular exercise to maintain overall wellness.

With 501 centres across India and an international presence, NephroPlus aims to provide quality kidney dialysis at affordable rates and help people on dialysis to lead happy, healthier lives. Our centres conduct regular blood and urine tests to track kidney function, ensuring timely adjustments in the treatment plan, with personalised guidance from expert nephrologists and dieticians to manage creatinine through a healthy diet, medication and lifestyle.

Implications of Elevated Creatinine Levels

Increased creatinine levels in the blood are the key indicator that the kidneys are not filtering waste from the blood efficiently. This can be a sign of acute kidney failure. Common symptoms due to increased creatinine include:

• Fatigue

• Swelling

• Frequent urination with dark, foamy urine

• Shortness of breath

• Nausea

• Vomiting

Water Intake and Diet Recommendations During CKD

Water intake for chronic kidney disease depends on the stage: early stages may require around 8 glasses daily, while later stages, especially with fluid retention, often need fluid restriction.

• Early CKD (Stages 1-2): Aim for about 8 glasses per day to help keep kidneys hydrated.

• Later CKD (stages 3-5): Limit the water intake to prevent fluid buildup or swelling. 

If you have chronic kidney disease stage 3, speak with your doctor to determine your fluid intake.

Conclusion

Creatinine is an important marker of kidney function and is used to help diagnose and manage kidney disease. Adjusting eating habits, such as moderating protein and sodium intake, can help support healthy creatinine levels and kidney function. 

Individuals with elevated creatinine should consult a healthcare professional and a registered dietitian for a personalised nutrition plan. Along with dietary changes, maintaining a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise, proper hydration and management of chronic conditions can help protect kidney health.

At NephroPlus, our team of expert nephrologists and dietitians provide comprehensive guidance to help patients manage creatinine levels and maintain optimal kidney health. Visit your nearest NephroPlus centre or book a consultation today to receive personalised care and support for better kidney management.

FAQs

Q1. What is considered a normal creatinine level?

A normal creatinine level ranges from 0.6 to 1.1 mg/dL in adults. Elevated levels may indicate declining kidney function or progression to stage 3 kidney disease.

Q2. How often should one check creatinine levels in Stage 3 CKD?

For chronic kidney disease stage 3, creatinine levels should be checked every three months, or more frequently if advised, to monitor kidney function and adjust treatment.

Q3. Can creatinine levels fluctuate in Stage 3 kidney disease?

Yes, creatinine levels can fluctuate in stage 3 kidney disease due to dehydration, diet, medications, or infections, making regular monitoring essential for stable kidney health.

Q4. What are the symptoms of high creatinine levels?

Common stage 3 kidney disease symptoms include fatigue, nausea, swelling in the feet, decreased urine output, and confusion, indicating reduced kidney filtration efficiency and toxin buildup.

Q5. Are there alternative methods to measure kidney function?

Yes. Apart from creatinine, kidney function is measured using eGFR tests, cystatin C levels, and urine protein tests to assess chronic kidney disease stage 3 severity accurately.

Q6. What foods should be avoided for Stage 3 CKD patients?

Patients with stage 3 kidney disease should avoid high-sodium foods, red meat, processed items, and excess potassium or phosphorus to maintain balance and improve stage 3 kidney disease life expectancy.