How to Slow Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Progression: A Practical, Patient-Friendly Guide
- AdminKidneyMD
- Dec 24, 2025
- 3 min read
Preventing chronic kidney disease (CKD) from getting worse is absolutely possible—and it starts with understanding what protects your kidneys and why. CKD management today is more effective than ever, thanks to a combination of lifestyle changes, blood pressure and blood sugar control, and newer medications that offer powerful kidney and heart benefits.
As physicians, our goal is to help you take an active role in your kidney health so you can maintain your quality of life and reduce the long-term risks of kidney failure, heart disease, and other complications.
What can I do to stop CKD from getting worse?
Control blood pressure, manage diabetes, take kidney-protective medications, avoid NSAIDs, limit salt, eat more plants, stay active, maintain a healthy weight, and follow up regularly with your doctor.
1. Know Your Kidney Numbers Early
Two simple tests—eGFR and urine ACR—tell us how your kidneys are functioning and whether protein is leaking into the urine. These numbers help categorize your risk and guide the intensity of treatment through the KDIGO system.
People with diabetes, high blood pressure, or obesity should be screened regularly, as these conditions are the most common causes of CKD.
2. Lifestyle Is the Foundation of CKD Care
Healthy daily habits play a major role in slowing CKD progression. The 2024 KDIGO guidelines recommend plant-focused eating patterns such as DASH or Mediterranean diets. These support healthier blood pressure, reduce proteinuria, and improve heart health.
Key steps include:
Limit sodium
Choose whole, minimally processed foods
Moderate protein intake
Quit smoking
Stay physically active
Maintain a healthy weight
A renal dietitian can tailor recommendations for sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein based on your kidney function.
3. Blood Pressure Control Matters the Most
High blood pressure accelerates kidney damage.
Goal systolic BP: <120 mmHg (using standardized office measurement)
ACE inhibitors or ARBs are first-line therapy, especially for patients with diabetes or albuminuria
These medications protect the kidney filters and help reduce protein leakage
We titrate these medications to the highest tolerated dose to maximize kidney protection.
4. Diabetes Management and Kidney Protection
For people with diabetes, keeping A1c around 7% reduces the risk of further kidney injury.
Two medication classes have transformed CKD care:
SGLT2 Inhibitors
Examples: Farxiga, Jardiance
Benefits include:
Slowing CKD progression
Reducing kidney failure
Lowering heart failure hospitalizations
Helping patients with albuminuria even without diabetes
An early, mild dip in eGFR is expected and usually beneficial.
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
Examples: Ozempic, Trulicity, Victoza
Benefits include:
Reducing albuminuria
Lowering cardiovascular risk
Supporting weight loss
5. Newer Therapies: Finerenone and More
Finerenone, a non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, provides additional kidney and heart protection for patients with type 2 diabetes, albuminuria, and eGFR ≥25.
This may be used alongside ACE inhibitors/ARBs and SGLT2 inhibitors when further kidney protection is needed.
6. Additional Kidney-Saving Strategies
Avoid NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen)
Avoid unnecessary proton pump inhibitors and contrast dyes
Use statins for cardiovascular protection
Correct metabolic acidosis when present
Adjust medication doses as kidney function changes
Stay appropriately hydrated based on your doctor’s guidance
7. A Team-Based, Individualized Approach Works Best
The most successful kidney care happens when lifestyle, medications, early interventions, and regular monitoring work together. Through shared decision-making and coordinated care, many people maintain stable kidney function for years.
Comments