Questions to Ask the GP When Supporting Someone With CKD

Medically Reviewed by: Dr Jackie Gray, Public Health Expert and Retired GP
(Carents Trusted Reviewer Programme – Last reviewed February 2026)

CKD often has no obvious symptoms, especially in the early stages. It is commonly picked up through routine blood or urine tests and can easily be missed, downplayed, or treated as “just age-related”.

In advanced stages, family members are often the people who notice changes first, such as:

• Increasing tiredness

• Appetite changes

• Confusion or memory slips

• More frequent illness or infections
  
  

CKD also increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Good management can make a real difference to reducing these risks and improving long-term health and quality of life. Knowing what to ask helps you speak up without feeling awkward or confrontational, even when appointments feel rushed.

You might want to ask:

• Has CKD been formally diagnosed, or is it still being monitored?

• What stage of CKD is this, how severe is it and what does that stage mean in everyday terms?

• What conditions may have contributed to it, such as diabetes or high blood pressure?
  
  

Why this matters:

CKD is more common in older adults and in people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart and blood vessel disease. Other issues like kidney stones, prostate problems, or long-term medication use can also affect kidney health. Understanding the stage helps set expectations and guides how closely things need to be monitored.

Common monitoring includes:

• Blood tests to estimate kidney function, often called eGFR

• Urine tests to check for protein levels

You might want to clarify:

• Which tests are needed right now?

• How often should they be repeated?

• What changes in results would trigger action?
  
  

Why this matters:

Mild CKD may only need annual monitoring. More advanced CKD usually needs more frequent checks. Trends over time are often more important than a single result.

Blood pressure control is a key part of managing CKD.

You might want to ask:

• Is blood pressure currently at a safe level?

• Should it be checked at home?

• Would treatment help protect kidney function and reduce heart risk?
  
  

Why this matters:

High blood pressure can both cause CKD and make it worsen faster. Treating it can reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and further kidney damage.

Some medicines protect long-term health in people with CKD, while others may need adjusting.

You might want to ask:

• Are statins recommended, and why?

• Are there side effects we should watch for?

• How often should medications be reviewed?

• Are any current medicines putting extra strain on the kidneys?
  
  

Why this matters:

People with CKD have a higher risk of heart disease. Statins are often recommended and are considered safe when prescribed appropriately. Regular medication reviews help ensure doses stay suitable as kidney function changes.

People with CKD are usually advised to have:

• Annual flu vaccination

• A one-off pneumococcal vaccine

• COVID vaccinations in line with current NHS guidance
  
  

Why this matters:

CKD increases the risk of serious complications from infections like flu and pneumonia. Preventative care can reduce hospital admissions.

Depending on the stage of the disease there might be some specific things to consider when it comes to medicines, meals, or hydration.

You may want to ask:

• Which symptoms should prompt an urgent review?

• What signs suggest kidney function may be worsening?

• When should we contact the GP versus seeking urgent help?
  
  

Having clarity here helps you feel more confident day to day and reduces unnecessary panic or delay.

Important things to know

• Healthcare professionals can only share information with family members if the patient has given permission.
  
  

• Writing questions down before appointments helps ensure nothing important is missed.

Supporting a parent with a long-term condition often happens quietly, alongside work, family, and everything else. If you are carrying responsibility without much support, you are not alone.

From practical guidance to a community of people who understand, we are here to support you. Lean on us when they lean on you.

Medically reviewed by Dr Jackie Gray, February 2026