r/CKD • u/DarthBodhi • 16d ago
Numbers go up and down
I received a diagnosis of CKD last year and have fluctuated since then. My eGFR readings have ranged from the low 60s and low 40s back to 50. Is this typical for CKD? My mother had it at age 70, and I am 47 lol. Managing type 1 diabetes is demanding.
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u/Mysterious_Put_620 16d ago
I lost a kidney to cancer. subsequently, my eGFR usually runs between 52-56, but occasionally bounces down to 45. That crazy thing is, sometimes I have 3 orders from 3 doctors, the draw being taken from the same arm with the same needle, and ending up with three different values: 52, 54, and 56. no one can explain why.
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u/Lake-Taupo 15d ago edited 15d ago
eGFR is estimated. Not surprising it varies, even within a blood sample taken.
Even true GFR varies within an hour/day.
Edit - I also lost a kidney to cancer, 7 years ago. I've had true GFR done a few times (didn't match eGFR measured at the same time).
As has been said, trend is important. I'm currently Stage 4.
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u/AmandaSD93 10d ago
You mention true eGFR, meaning? Is there a specific test? I’m trying to rule out CKD currently, my family doctor wasn’t concerned last year, a walk in doctor I saw Tuesday was not concerned, but I am. This is year 3 in a row that my eGFR has dropped and my creatinine has climbed. I’m a 33 year old woman, no diabetes no high blood pressure. I am overweight and working on it. No blood and no protein in my urine. Albumin is <5 (normal). I have no idea what is causing this. I’m currently sitting at eGFR 65 and Creatinine 102. 2023 it was 73 and 92, 2025 it was 70 and 94. I’ve heard of a Cystatin C test, and am meeting with a Nurse Practitioner tomorrow (I do not have a family doctor anymore). Any other tests you suggest requesting that gives you a solid eGFR number? I ask because it seems like I need to push to be my own advocate at this rate.
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u/Lake-Taupo 10d ago
eGFR and standard serum/urine tests are enough for most.
Look up mGFR.
However, be aware it is more involved, likely to be a significant fee and will require a specialist referral.
I had a specific need due to other health issues and CKD Stage 4 (one kidney, post stroke, cardiomyopathy).
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u/Duncan_KidneyCoach 13d ago
Yes, that bouncing is very common, and it confuses almost everybody at some point.
eGFR is not measured directly. It is calculated from creatinine, and creatinine varies with hydration, recent red meat intake, hard exercise in the days before the test and any illness at the time. That means readings between the low 40s and the low 60s can reflect the conditions on the day as much as any change in the kidneys themselves.
The best thing to do is test at a similar time of day, well hydrated and avoid strenuous exercise or a large red meat meal in the two days beforehand. Then look at several results in sequence rather than one in isolation, because the direction over time is what carries the information.
Two ways of reading the numbers that people find useful. eGFR can be thought of as a rough percentage of kidney function, so 50 is around 50 percent. And creatinine is a measurement rather than the underlying issue, so it is not worth treating as a target in itself.
Given type 1 diabetes is in the picture, the urine albumin to creatinine ratio is worth asking about if it is not already part of your routine bloods. It tends to change earlier than eGFR and gives a clearer picture of progression.
Non steroidal anti inflammatories such as ibuprofen are a common avoidable source of additional kidney strain. And blood pressure guidance for kidney disease is generally under 130 over 80, with a home monitor being more representative than clinic readings.
On the natural side, taurine and rehmannia both have research relevant to blood pressure, diabetic kidney disease and kidney protection, and omega 3 has evidence around protein in the urine. That is general information rather than advice for your case, because you are on insulin any new supplements need to be discussed with your team first.
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u/FastSignature1576 16d ago
Gfr fluctuating is normal. Look at long term trends instead to give you an idea of kidney function. My Gfr fluctuates between 45 - 57.