How Long Can A 70 Year-Old Live With Stage 3 Kidney Disease? Living Well
Understanding kidney health especially when we’re aging is crucial if you want to live a longer, more vibrant life. So the question “how can a 70 year-old live with stage 3 kidney disease” is but a natural question to ask. Stage 3 kidney disease affects millions of older adults. And, if you’re 70 years old facing this diagnosis, you’re likely wondering about your future. But most people with stage 3 kidney disease can live fulfilling lives for many years with proper care and monitoring. The condition does require careful attention and lifestyle changes. This is not to say that your life is over or you’re severely limited.
This article explores the subtleties of stage 3 kidney disease. You will learn about what it is, its diagnostic process, and management as well as other information that will help you make informed decisions and take control over your health. We will also explore how proactive steps and informed choices can meaningfully influence the progression of this condition.
Key Insights
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70-year-olds with stage 3 kidney disease often live 10-20 years or more with proper management
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Age plays a significant role in prognosis, but individual health factors matter more than age alone
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Stage 3 kidney disease progresses slowly and may never reach end-stage in many older adults
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At-home urine testing helps track kidney function and catch changes early
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Diet, exercise, and medication management can significantly slow disease progression
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Most complications can be prevented or managed with early detection and treatment
What is stage 3 chronic kidney disease?
Stage 3 chronic kidney disease means your kidneys are working 30-59% of their normal function. Your kidneys are still doing most of their job. But they’re not filtering waste and excess fluid as they should be.
This stage is further subdivided into two:
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Stage 3a (45-59% function)
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Stage 3b (30-44% function)
At this point, waste products are starting to accumulate in your blood. But many people at this stage don’t feel that sick yet. Your kidneys are amazingly resilient and they can still handle the daily tasks even when they’re not working as perfect as before.
What makes stage 3 different from earlier stages is that symptoms may start showing up. You might feel unusually tired, even more than usual. There may be some swelling on your legs and feet or notice some subtle changes in the pattern of your urination. There are also other people who may experience back pain, have trouble sleeping, or have changes in their appetite.
The good news about this is that stage 3 kidney disease can often stay stable for years. Unlike what many people fear, it doesn’t automatically mean you’re heading towards dialysis or kidney transplantation. With the right care, many people with stage 3 kidney disease maintain their current stage of function for decades.
Your kidneys have incredible reserve capacity. Even at 30% function, they can still:
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Remove most toxins from your blood
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Control your blood pressure reasonably well
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Maintain proper fluid balance in most cases
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Produce hormones that help make red blood cells
The key is catching the issue early and taking action. Regular monitoring helps you and your doctor spot the changes before they become serious. This is where at-home testing becomes incredibly important. You can check your urine regularly without having multiple clinic visits.
What is the average life expectancy for a 70-year old with stage 3 kidney disease?
A 70-year-old with stage 3 kidney disease can expect to live many more years with proper management. Studies suggest that people in their 70s with stage 3 kidney disease often have a life expectancy that’s only slightly shorter than average healthy people.
However, the life expectancy depends on various factors, but it has been shown that age and gender are two non-modifiable factors that influence how long the prognosis is. Generally:
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Men who are 70 years old have an average life expectancy of about 9 years
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Women who are 70 years old have an average life expectancy of approximately 11 years
However, these are just average values and actual life expectancy can vary widely based on other factors, including:
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Underlying condition
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Specific stage: Stage 3a versus stage 3b
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Management and control of comorbidities
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Overall health status
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Lifestyle
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Diet
Importantly, many people with stage 3 kidney disease do not progress easily to later stages. Good medical management and intervention can further improve the outcomes.
Nonetheless, mortality at this stage is relatively increased when compared to the general age-matched population. However, living a meaningful and active life is still feasible, especially for those who are proactive in their management, good healthcare follow-up, and risk factor control.
What matters more than age in this scenario is your overall health status. If you’re active, eating well, not smoking, and manage your conditions well like diabetes or high blood pressure, your outlook or prognosis becomes a lot better. Heart disease in about 24% of patients, not kidney disease stage, is a driving factor for life expectancy in older adults with kidney disease.
Your kidney function at 70 might stay stable for 70 years. Unlike younger people who might see faster progression, older people often experience very slow changes in kidney function. About 33% of adults do not experience any decline in the filtration rate of the kidneys. This means stage 3 might be where you stay for the rest of your life.
The most encouraging fact is that most 70-year-olds with stage 3 kidney disease never progress to needing dialysis. Your kidneys might continue working well enough to support your daily activities and quality of life for many years to come.
Can you live a long life with stage 3 kidney disease?
Yes, you absolutely can live a long, fulfilling life with stage 3 kidney disease. Many people with this condition live for decades after diagnosis and maintain excellent quality of life throughout.
The secret lies in understanding that kidney disease progression isn’t inevitable or predictable. Your kidneys might stay at their current function and level for 10, 15, or 20 years. Some people’s kidney function actually improves with proper treatment and lifestyle changes.
Living well with stage 3 kidney disease means focusing on what you can control:
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Following a kidney-friendly diet that’s not overly restrictive
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Staying physically active within your limits
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Managing blood pressure and blood sugar carefully
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Taking medications as prescribed
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Getting regular check-ups and monitoring
There are people at 70 who are diagnosed with stage 3 kidney disease continuing with their lives, traveling, spending time with grandchildren, and pursuing hobbies. The diagnosis does not necessarily define your future, because it is your lifestyle and habits do.
Quality of life often remains high because at stage 3 CKD the kidneys still function reasonably well. You’re not going to deal with severe symptoms that come from later stage kidney disease. Most people can still feel relatively normal and can maintain independence despite the diagnosis.
The key is partnering with your healthcare team and staying proactive about your health. Regular monitoring helps catch any changes early, and modern treatments can slow or stop progression in many cases.
Is there a difference in prognosis by age?
Yes, age definitely affects your kidneys and the outcomes at stage 3 CKD. But perhaps, not the way you expect it. Being 70 actually comes with some advantages compared to younger people facing the same diagnosis.
Older people often experience slower kidney function decline. Your kidneys have had seven decades to develop their current level of function, and they often stay stable at that level. Younger people with kidney disease sometimes see faster changes because their bodies are still actively changing and adapting.
The aging process itself affects the kidneys. But this natural decline is different from disease progression. At age 70, some kidney function loss is expected even in healthy people. This means your stage 3 diagnosis might represent both normal aging and disease. This makes progression slower than pure kidney diseases alone.
Your prognosis also depends on how long you’ve had kidney disease. If you’re newly diagnosed at 70, your kidneys may have been functioning at this level for years without causing problems. This suggests that they can continue to function similarly for years to come.
Other health conditions matter more than age alone:
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Well-controlled diabetes improves your outlook significantly
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Good blood pressure control makes a huge difference
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Heart health affects kidney health and overall prognosis
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Being physically active helps maintain kidney function
Chronological age isn’t the best predictor of outcomes. Your biological age, which refers to how your body functions more, matters more. A healthy active 70-year old often does better than a sedentary 50-year old with multiple heart problems.
How Long Does It Take to Progress From Stage 3 to Stage 4?
Progression from stage 3 to stage 4 kidney disease varies dramatically from person to person and from underlying disease. Many people never progress at all, while others might see changes over several years.
About 50% of people with stage 3 CKD will progress to stage 4 or 5 within 10 years. However, this data does not specify those who are with underlying conditions such as diabetes or hypertension. One study found that on the average, the time it takes from one baseline CKD stage to another was approximately 7 years, with an average decline in eGFR of 5.8 ml/min/year.
However, many patients, particularly those with stage 3 kidney disease, don’t progress to stage 4, especially when properly managed.
Risk factors that hasten the progression, include:
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High degree of albuminuria or protein in the urine
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Presence of diabetes
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Presence of hypertension (high blood pressure)
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Male gender
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Presence of cardiovascular disease
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Genetic factors
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Lifestyle factors like smoking, diet, and exercise
The encouraging reality is that kidney disease progression is not linear or predictable. Some people’s kidney function stays the same or is stable over the years. Others may see periods of decline followed by stability. Some may even experience improvement with aggressive and active management and lifestyle changes.
Your doctor will monitor your progression through a series of regular tests, such as serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Some fluctuations in the result may be seen but that’s normal. What is necessary is the trend or pattern, which can be observed in months or years—not individual test results.
If you do at-home monitoring through urine strips, it can help you track your results in between visits. Urine tests can detect blood, protein, and other signs that suggest progression. At-home testing allows early detection for prompt treatment and intervention to slow down or prevent further progression.
The most important thing to remember is that progression isn't inevitable. Many people with stage 3 kidney disease take control of their health and maintain stable function for years. Your actions today directly influence whether and how fast your kidney disease might progress.
How is Stage 3 Kidney Disease Diagnosed?
Stage 3 kidney disease diagnosis depends heavily on blood tests that measure how well your kidneys are still functioning, like filtering waste. The primary test used is eGFR, which shows how much of the normal kidney function you have in percentages.
Your doctor will assess eGFR using the following parameters:
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Creatinine level
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Age
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Gender
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Race
Creatinine is a waste product from muscle breakdown that healthy kidneys filter out efficiently. When kidney function declines, creatinine builds up in the blood.
For stage 3 CKD diagnosis, your eGFR measurement should be between 30-59 mL/min/1.73m² for at least 3 months. The 3-month period ensures that what you have is really CKD and not just temporary kidney problems from dehydration, illness, or secondary effects of medication.
Additional tests help confirm the diagnosis and assess kidney damage, including:
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Urine tests to check for protein, blood, or other abnormalities
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Blood pressure measurements (often elevated with kidney disease)
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Complete blood count to check for anemia
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Mineral and bone markers like phosphorus and calcium levels
In some instances, imaging tests are useful to look at the kidney size and structure. Small, scarred kidneys suggest long-term kidney disease. Normal-sized kidneys may suggest that the condition is new and may be reversible.
The diagnostic process also involves reviewing your medical history for any condition that may cause the disease. Diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and certain medications can all contribute to kidney problems over time.
Therefore, getting an accurate diagnosis is crucial because it determines the treatment plan and monitoring schedule that’s specific only for you. Early detection of stage 3 kidney disease allows for interventions that can prevent progression and complications.
What is the Use of At-Home Urine Testing in Stage 3 Kidney Disease?
At-home urine testing plays a valuable role in managing stage 3 kidney disease by providing regular monitoring between doctor visits. These tests help you monitor your condition in between doctor visits. These tests allow you to catch any issue early, when treatment and management are the most effective.
Urine test strips can detect several important markers for kidney health. Protein (protein in the urine) is especially important because it often indicates kidney damage and increases the risk of progression to more advanced stages.
Key measurements from at-home urine testing include:
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Protein levels
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Blood in urine
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Glucose levels
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Specific gravity
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pH levels
Regular home testing helps establish your baseline normal values or your usual levels. Everyone’s results will vary as they should and they could have slight changes. Small day-to-day changes may be normal but consistent changes that can create distinct patterns, which warrant discussion with your doctor.
The convenience of home testing encourages more frequent monitoring. Instead of waiting 3-6 months between doctor visits, you can check your urine weekly or monthly. This frequent monitoring can catch problems early and provide peace of mind when results stay stable.
Home testing works best when combined with regular medical care, not as a replacement. Your doctor can interpret results in context with your other health information and adjust treatments. The results of the tests offer valuable data points that help guide your care decisions.
Modern at-home urine tests are easy to use and quite accurate. Most involve dipping a test strip in urine and comparing colors to a chart after a specified time. Results could be available within minutes. Thus, making them a very practical tool for regular use.
What are the complications of stage 43 kidney disease?
Stage 3 kidney disease can lead to several complications, but most are preventable or manageable with proper care. Understanding these potential problems helps you work with your healthcare team to prevent them before they become serious.
High blood pressure is the most common complication of stage 3 kidney disease. Your kidneys help control blood pressure by managing fluid balance and producing hormones. When kidney function declines, blood pressure often rises, which can further damage your kidneys and increase heart disease risk.
Anemia develops in some people with stage 3 kidney disease because kidneys produce erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production. When kidney function drops, you might not make enough red blood cells, leading to fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.
Bone and mineral disorders can occur as kidneys lose their ability to balance calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D. This can lead to:
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Weak bones and increased fracture risk
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Joint pain and muscle weakness
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Calcium deposits in blood vessels
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Secondary hyperparathyroidism
Fluid retention becomes more common as kidney function declines. You might notice symptoms like swelling in your legs, ankles or around the eyes. This happens when your kidneys can’t remove excess fluid as effectively as before.
Cardiovascular complications are serious concerns with kidney disease. People with stage 3 kidney disease have higher risks of:
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Heart attacks and strokes
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Heart failure
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Irregular heart rhythms
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Peripheral artery disease
Electrolyte imbalances can develop as kidneys struggle to maintain proper levels of sodium, potassium, and other minerals. High potassium levels can be particularly dangerous, affecting heart rhythm and muscle function.
The encouraging news is that most complications are preventable with proper management. Regular monitoring, appropriate medications, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications can prevent or delay most problems associated with stage 3 kidney disease.
What are the treatment options for stage 3 kidney disease?
Treatment for stage 3 kidney disease focuses on slowing progression, managing complications, and maintaining quality of life. The good news is that many effective treatments can help you live well with this condition for years to come.
Blood pressure control is the cornerstone of stage 3 kidney disease treatment. Target blood pressure is usually less than 130/80 mmHg. This could sometimes need to be lower if you have protein in your urine. ACE inhibitors and ARBs are preferred medications because they protect kidneys while lowering blood pressure.
Diabetes management is crucial if you have both conditions. Keeping blood sugar levels in target ranges significantly slows kidney disease progression. This includes:
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Taking diabetes medications as prescribed
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Monitoring blood sugar regularly
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Following a diabetes-friendly diet
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Getting regular exercise
Dietary changes help reduce the workload on your kidneys without being overly restrictive. A kidney-friendly diet typically includes:
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Limiting sodium intake to control blood pressure and fluid retention
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Moderating protein intake (but not eliminating it)
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Choosing heart-healthy fats
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Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables (with some potassium considerations)
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Staying well-hydrated unless your doctor advises otherwise
Medications address specific complications and slow disease progression:
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Cholesterol-lowering drugs to protect heart and blood vessels
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Medications to prevent bone disease
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Iron supplements or erythropoiesis-stimulating agents for anemia
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Phosphate binders if needed
Lifestyle modifications make a significant difference in outcomes:
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Regular exercise appropriate for your fitness level
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Quitting smoking (essential for kidney and heart health)
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Maintaining a healthy weight
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Managing stress through relaxation techniques or counseling
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Getting adequate sleep
Regular monitoring allows for early detection of changes and prompt treatment adjustments. This includes blood tests every 3-6 months, urine tests, blood pressure checks, and assessments for complications.
Is stage 3 kidney disease considered end-stage?
No, stage 3 kidney disease is definitely not considered end-stage kidney disease. You're nowhere near needing dialysis or transplant, and many people with stage 3 kidney disease never progress to end-stage renal disease.
End-stage renal disease (ESRD) refers to stage 5 kidney disease, when kidney function drops below 15% of normal. At stage 3, your kidneys are still working at 30-59% capacity - much better than end-stage levels.
The progression from stage 3 to end-stage typically takes many years, if it happens at all. For 70-year-olds, the likelihood of reaching end-stage kidney disease is relatively low. Most people in your age group with stage 3 kidney disease maintain stable function or progress very slowly.
Understanding the stages helps put your condition in perspective:
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Stage 1: Normal or high function (90%) with kidney damage
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Stage 2: Mild decrease (60-89%) with kidney damage
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Stage 3a: Mild to moderate decrease (45-59%)
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Stage 3b: Moderate decrease (30-44%)
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Stage 4: Severe decrease (15-29%)
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Stage 5: End-stage (less than 15% or on dialysis)
Your stage 3 kidneys are still doing most of their essential jobs. They're filtering most waste products, maintaining reasonable fluid balance, and producing important hormones. This is why many people with stage 3 kidney disease feel relatively normal and can maintain active lifestyles.
Focus on the positive aspects of your diagnosis: you caught it early enough to take action, you have many treatment options available, and with proper care, your kidneys might continue serving you well for many years to come.
Can your kidneys recover from stage 3 kidney failure?
Kidneys can sometimes recover from stage 3 kidney disease, especially if the underlying cause is treatable or reversible. While complete recovery to normal function is uncommon, many people see improvement in their kidney function with aggressive treatment and lifestyle changes.
Recovery depends largely on what caused your kidney disease in the first place. Some causes are more reversible than others:
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Medication-induced kidney problems often improve when the medication is stopped
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Acute kidney injury that led to chronic problems sometimes partially recovers
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Kidney disease from untreated high blood pressure can improve with excellent blood pressure control
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Some autoimmune conditions respond well to treatment
Even if complete recovery isn't possible, you can often slow progression significantly or achieve stability. Many people with stage 3 kidney disease see their function remain stable for years with proper management.
Factors that improve your chances of kidney function improvement include:
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Early detection and treatment
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Excellent blood pressure control
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Optimal diabetes management if applicable
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Avoiding medications that harm kidneys
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Following a kidney-healthy lifestyle
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Working closely with your healthcare team
Some people see their eGFR numbers improve by 10-20% or more with aggressive treatment. While this might not move you back to normal kidney function, it can significantly improve your prognosis and reduce complication risks.
The important thing is that kidney function doesn't always decline. Studies show that some people with stage 3 kidney disease maintain stable function for decades, while others see actual improvement. Your proactive approach to managing your health gives you the best chance for a positive outcome.
Even if your kidney function doesn't improve numerically, you can still feel better and live well with proper management. Many people with stable stage 3 kidney disease report excellent quality of life and ability to do activities they enjoy.
Quick Summary Box
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70-year-olds with stage 3 kidney disease often live 10-20+ years with proper care
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Many people never progress beyond stage 3, especially older adults
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Blood pressure control, diabetes management, and lifestyle changes are key
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Regular check-ups and at-home urine testing help track kidney health
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Most people with stage 3 kidney disease maintain active, fulfilling lives
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Many effective treatments can slow progression and prevent complications
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Some improvement in kidney function is possible with optimal management
Related Resources
What is Stage 3 Kidney Disease?
Stage 2 Kidney Disease Life Expectancy: Basic Concepts Explained
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