"chosen not to become part of the health system in the US" would not be accurate. I have health insurance, although it is not comprehensive and would not cover the costs of seeing specialists. Prolonged fasting(calorie restriction) has a body of clinical evidence RE: improvement of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. I do not have chronically high blood sugar levels by any current medical standard. I don't even have pre-diabetes. I would not describe my current condition as "very painful." Very concerning would be more apt. Unfortunately, not a lot of doctors in my area are immediately taking new patients. It would take months to navigate an appointment with a specialist. I have scheduled an appointment with a combo MD/DC neuropathy clinic.