Your starting point
New to kidney disease?
Let's start here.
A simple, step-by-step path through the most important things to understand — from diagnosis to lab results to treatment options.
You're in the right place.
If you've recently been diagnosed with kidney disease — or you're trying to make sense of it for someone you love — the amount of information can feel overwhelming.
That's normal. You don't need to learn everything at once.
This page walks you through four clear steps — the same ones I wish someone had given me when I was trying to understand my own diagnosis.
Your step-by-step starting path
Work through these at your own pace. Each step links to clear, practical guides.
Understand your diagnosis
Learn what CKD stages actually mean, how kidney disease is classified, and what progression looks like — without the medical jargon.
Learn to read your lab results
GFR, creatinine, albumin — your lab results tell an important story. Understanding them helps you track your kidney health and have better conversations with your doctor.
Make the right diet changes
Diet is one of the areas where you have real influence. Learn which foods matter most, what to limit, and why small changes can make a meaningful difference.
Plan your next steps
Whether you are in Stage 3 or Stage 4, there are important decisions ahead — dialysis options, transplant evaluation, and how to prepare without panic.
From the founder
I've lived with chronic kidney disease my entire life — born with a congenital obstruction, now 40 years old and in Stage 4. Over the years, I had hundreds of questions that were hard to answer clearly.
The four steps on this page are the path I wish someone had walked me through when I was first trying to understand what was happening. I built Kidney Compass so you wouldn't have to piece it together alone.
Essential Reading
The most helpful guides to start with — chosen for newly diagnosed patients and families.
CKD Stages Explained
What each stage means and what to expect at every step.
Blood TestsWhat Is GFR?
A plain-language explanation of the most important kidney number.
NutritionFoods to Avoid
The dietary changes that matter most for kidney health.
CKDStage 3: What to Ask Your Doctor
The right questions for your next nephrology appointment.
DialysisDialysis vs Transplant
Understanding your treatment options clearly.
Your Free Starting Point
The Kidney Disease Starter Guide covers 12 things I wish I had understood earlier — explained in plain language.
- What your key lab results (GFR, creatinine) actually mean
- Which dietary changes matter most at your stage
- The right questions to bring to your next doctor visit
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Common Questions
Where should I start if I was just diagnosed with CKD?
Start with understanding your stage. If you know your eGFR, the CKD Stages Explained article makes the number concrete. If you don't know your stage yet, the free Starter Guide walks through the basics in plain language. Everything else — diet, symptoms, treatment planning — builds on knowing where you are.
What if I don't know my CKD stage yet?
Ask your GP or nephrologist for your most recent eGFR result — it's on every kidney-related blood test. The staging guide then tells you which G category that falls into (G1, G2, G3a, G3b, G4, or G5). If you only know your creatinine, the Creatinine Levels article explains how it relates to eGFR.
Do I need the free guide or the stage checklists first?
Free guide first. It's designed for anyone just starting — regardless of stage — and gives you the essential vocabulary, the key lab values, and the questions to ask at your next appointment. The Stage Checklists are more useful once you know your stage and want a concrete monthly action plan.
Is Kidney Compass medical advice?
No. Kidney Compass is educational. Every article is written from a patient perspective and cross-referenced with KDIGO, NICE, NIDDK, and NHS guidelines, but it cannot replace the advice of your nephrologist, GP, or renal dietitian. The goal is to help you ask better questions and understand the answers.
You don't need to figure this out alone.
Kidney disease is complex, but understanding it doesn't have to be. Start with the free guide, work through the steps above, and take it one topic at a time.
Get the Free Starter Guide