Stage 3 Kidney Disease and Preventing Progression

2. Stages 1 and 2

Stages 1 and 2 are both fairly mild and do not usually present with any symptoms. In stage 1 kidney disease, the kidneys have to work a little harder and may enlarge slightly. In stage 2, there is a mild loss of function. In both stages, protein is present in the urine, but this is only determined with urine testing. Someone can have mild stage kidney disease and not even know they have it. The diagnosis is usually made via blood and urine tests, although imaging studies and more advanced testing may be needed to determine the exact cause.