Bethenny Frankel's Kidney Disease Progresses To Stage 3A

Why Early Screening Is Critical To Slowing Chronic Kidney Disease

Feb. 28, 2026 at 7:39am

Reality TV star Bethenny Frankel recently revealed that her chronic kidney disease has progressed from Stage 2 to Stage 3A, raising concerns about the importance of early screening and intervention to slow the progression of the disease.

Why it matters

Frankel's case highlights the need for regular health checkups and monitoring, as chronic kidney disease can worsen over time if not properly managed. Early detection and treatment are crucial to preventing further kidney damage and reducing the risk of complications like heart disease.

The details

In an Instagram post, Frankel shared that her doctor told her she has reached Stage 3A of chronic kidney disease, which indicates a moderate loss of kidney function. The doctor advised her to drink more water and said she is not yet at the point of needing medication, but the progression is a step in the wrong direction. Frankel expressed anxiety about the news and urged her followers to prioritize regular medical check-ups to stay on top of their health.

  • On January 22, Frankel first revealed her Stage 2 chronic kidney disease diagnosis.
  • On February 19, Frankel shared an update that her condition had progressed to Stage 3A.

The players

Bethenny Frankel

A 55-year-old reality TV star who has been open about her battle with chronic kidney disease.

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What they’re saying

“Just left the kidney doctor, he said I actually have stage 3A chronic kidney disease which is right in the middle. He said my kidneys have had some damage because presumably my big anaphylactic allergy episode years ago, but it's not quite for medication. I'm not going to be alarmed yet, and we'll keep drinking water. He said it's the most important thing.”

— Bethenny Frankel

“I have a little bit of anxiety and I'm sick to my stomach, but I'm remaining calm.”

— Bethenny Frankel

What’s next

Frankel plans to return to her doctor in a couple of months for additional testing to monitor the progression of her kidney disease.

The takeaway

Frankel's case underscores the importance of early screening and proactive management of chronic kidney disease. Regular check-ups and prompt treatment can help slow the progression of the disease and reduce the risk of serious complications.