I am so confused

A reading of 48 means that you have kidney disease. There really isn't anything you can do to make that any better, but in order to slow the progress of the disease, it's best to keep your blood pressure within normal limits and to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The best thing would be to see your doctor and to get your blood pressure checked to see if you need any medications. Best wishes .

I assume you mean your GFR (glomerular filtration rate.) This is stage 3 renal failure and not end stage renal failure. but it all depends on your age as kidney function will drop off in the over 70's anyway.

You can survive quite happily on fairly low function with just one kidney, so please don't panic yet. It it good your GP is keeping an eye on things. Make sure you tell your doctor of any over the counter meds you take. Good luck and please come back and tell us how you get on.

Although the above answers may indeed be correct, I feel it is not in anyone's best interests to comment on a figure of 48 when we really don't know what this applies to. Maybe GFR, maybe something totally different. There is not enough information to know.

Thanks for all those who have replied. Yes, it is GFR, I should have said. I know it is to be expected that kidney function will decline with age, I am 69. I just want to do my best to limit the decline. Reading around the subject, I realise life style factors make a difference, exercise and diet but it is the diet side that I am finding overwhelming. It doesn’t seem just a question of cutting calories. Sodium, salt,control is easy but how does one manage phosphorus and potassium?

The estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) is a new measure of how well the kidneys filter the blood. A normal level is above 60. The eGFR is then calculated from your age, sex and blood creatinine level. An adjustment to the calculation is needed for people with African-Caribbean origin. The lower the level the less well the kidneys filter the blood. When the eGFR level reaches 15 or below the kidneys may be about to fail. As we get older it is natural for our eGFR to fall slightly.
This is from diabetes my way where you can access your records online ( only in Scotland ) . I am on medication to improve my levels and they sit at 60 with no problems.

I agree if is confusing. Make sure you are referred on and ask to speak to a RENAL dietician. In the meantime start by cutting out all fizzy drinks and processed foods. If you keep a food diary from now on it will help the dieticians assist you.

Levels can vary. Mine was registered at about 60 10 years ago. I got called in annually for tests for several years and they then stopped. When I asked why I was told that as my kidney function level was now at 80 they were no longer required.

That’s brilliant, Monica. Well done. Did you do anything special?

Nandalot do you suffer from type 2 diabetes?

No, absolutely nothing. GP said it was nothing to worry about, I still had twice as much kidney function as required.

I do not, however have any other medical problems and take no medication for anything. It was diagnosed when I had been under intense pressure looking after two elderly relations, in crisis, plus a death. My blood pressure showed a peak, and retreated, so possibly it was a stress symptom that gradually recovered over the ensuing years

Monica, that’s good,
Anja, no not diabetic. Was pre diabetic three years ago, but after taking stock and dieting with slimming world have been ok for two years.