Newly diagnosed
Newly Diagnosed With CKD: Your First Steps
This article is general information. Your nephrologist or renal dietitian knows your lab results and can tell you what is right for you.
Hearing that you have chronic kidney disease (CKD) can feel overwhelming. First, what the goal looks like: NIDDK says kidney disease can worsen over time, and that the aim of care is to keep the eGFR stable and the urine albumin the same or lower. This article summarizes the steps that official sources describe for people with a new diagnosis. It is general information, not a plan for you. Your nephrologist or doctor knows your results and decides what is right.
1. Learn your kidney numbers
The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) suggests knowing your results from the blood test for eGFR (kidney function) and the urine test for albumin, a protein that signals early kidney damage, and having them checked regularly. See CKD Stages 1 to 5 Explained and What Is eGFR?
2. Keep an eye on blood pressure
The NKF’s guide lists monitoring blood pressure and keeping it in the target range for your condition, since high blood pressure can damage the kidneys. More in High Blood Pressure, Diabetes and Your Kidneys.
3. Review medicines and scans with your doctor
The NKF explains that kidney disease can cause some medicines to build up in the body, and that the IV contrast dyes used in MRI, CT or angiogram scans can harm the kidneys. NIDDK adds that regular use of NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can damage the kidneys, and suggests asking a pharmacist or provider before using them. Always tell every doctor and pharmacist that you have kidney disease.
4. Ask about a renal dietitian
The NKF suggests seeing a renal dietitian for a personalized plan, and notes that cutting sodium is broadly recommended. NIDDK says that in the early stages of CKD you may have few limits on what you eat and drink, and that needs change as the disease advances. NIDDK also notes that Medicare may cover medical nutrition therapy with a doctor’s referral. Our overview Kidney-Friendly Eating Basics explains the main terms.
5. Look after your heart
The NKF lists the kidney-heart connection, regular cholesterol checks and stopping smoking among the first steps. NIDDK’s list of ten steps also includes physical activity (at least 30 minutes on most days), keeping a healthy weight, sleeping 7 to 8 hours a night and getting support for stress or depression.
6. See a nephrologist
The NKF’s patient guide suggests seeing a nephrologist, a kidney specialist, when the eGFR falls below 30. Your doctor may refer you earlier. Preparing for the first visit helps: Questions to Ask Your Nephrologist has a checklist.
7. Learn about treatments only when they become relevant
The NKF says that people with stage 4 or 5 CKD can learn about kidney failure treatments, including home dialysis, in-center hemodialysis and pre-emptive transplant. NIDDK also lists conservative management, which means care without dialysis or transplant. Most people with early CKD do not need to think about this yet.
Where to find support
The NKF has a patient help line and many guides on its website. Many people also find that talking to others who live with CKD takes away some of the fear. That is what our Facebook group is for.
Related reading
Sources
- National Kidney Foundation: First Steps After Diagnosis of CKD
- NIDDK: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), all content
- NIDDK: Healthy Eating for Adults With Chronic Kidney Disease (reviewed January 2025)
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