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Dark circles beneath the eyes, however, should not be treated as a reliable kidney-disease sign by themselves. Genetics, sleep deprivation, allergies, skin pigmentation, aging and many other factors can influence the appearance of the area beneath the eyes. Persistent puffiness has more relevance to fluid balance than ordinary dark circles. Even then, laboratory testing is necessary to determine whether kidney disease or protein loss is actually responsible.
High blood pressure has a particularly important relationship with kidney health. Hypertension can damage blood vessels within the kidneys over time, reducing their ability to function normally. At the same time, damaged kidneys can make blood-pressure regulation more difficult. This creates a two-way relationship in which high blood pressure can contribute to kidney disease and kidney disease can contribute to worsening blood pressure. For that reason, blood-pressure management is an important part of protecting kidney function.
High blood pressure usually does not produce obvious symptoms, which is why measuring it is important. Someone cannot reliably determine whether blood pressure is normal based on how they feel. Repeated measurements above the recommended range should be discussed with a healthcare professional. People who already have hypertension may also be advised to undergo periodic kidney testing, depending on their overall health and medical history.
Diabetes is another major risk factor for chronic kidney disease. Persistently high blood glucose can damage the small blood vessels and filtering structures within the kidneys over time. Because this process may initially cause no symptoms, routine testing can be especially important for people living with diabetes. Managing blood glucose, blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors can help reduce the risk of kidney complications. Medical treatment should be individualized rather than based on generic online recommendations.