Erectile dysfunction generally affects older men and is often caused by disorders that affect the circulation, including diabetes. Smoking is also known to accelerate atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. When the blood vessels in the pelvic area are narrowed, that contributes to reduced penile blood flow. One of the best ways to prevent impotence is to prevent it in the first place. Circulatory problems caused by diabetes can be kept at bay by keeping the diabetes at bay.
Blood sugar needs to be kept in tight control.
If you are a diabetic and smoke you are putting yourself at even more risk, not only of impotence but of more serious disorders like stroke and heart disease. Additional causes of impotence are alcohol intake, epilepsy depression and some psychosis. There are also a number of medications that can cause impotence. Any man that experiences sexual dysfunction after starting a new medication should immediately talk with his doctor about this possible side effect. This all points to lifestyle changes being the key to having a healthy and enjoyable life.