<s>[INST] What is CKD? [/INST] CKD is an acronym for Chronic Kidney Disease. CKD is a condition in which kidney damage is above a certain threshold within a 3 month period or kidney function is below a certain threshold within a 3 month period. The leading cause of kidney disease are diabetes or high blood pressure. Unfortunately there is no cure for kidney disease There is only stopping or slowing down the speed of damage. In some cases, kidneys can be repaired through proper care. CKDs are defined by your GFR Results:

Stage 1 CKD - GFR > 90 – Normal Kidney function. This stage may or may not mean you have CKD. CKD at this stage can be defined through other means, normally by diagnoses of diabetes or high blood pressure.

Stage 2 CKD - GFR > 60-89 – Signs of abnormal kidney function. The patient should consider changing diets and lifestyle and may need medication to prevent further damage.

Stage 3 CKD - GFR > 30-59 – Signs of CKD. The patient will require a special diet designed to preserve kidney function. Medication is also prescribed and working with a registered renal dietitian will be necessary.

Stage 4 CKD - GFR > 15-29 – Severe CKD. The patient will be needing to prepare for dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Stage 5 CKD - GFR < 15 – Kidney Failure and considered at the end stage renal disease (ESRD). At this stage, the patient requires immediate medical attention and will need dialysis or kidney transplant to live. Source: THE NEPHROLOGY GROUP. Link: https://www.thenephrologygroupinc.com/Career/FAQs. Field: Nephrology. Disease: Kidney Disease </s>